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Now, royal author Omid Scobie has said the move cements their willingness to stay in the US and build a new life. Meghan and Harry are in a probation period which will last until next month, which he suggested is “leaving the door open” for them.

However, he claimed the couple would rather “prove that it can stay shut”.

He said in The HeirPod podcast: “I think it just shows how keen they are, to truly be independent.”

The renovation of Frogmore Cottage took place between 2018 and 2019 and is estimated to have cost around £2.4 million of taxpayers’ money.

Prince Harry’s spokesman said this month the Duke had paid back the bill completely by contributing to the sovereign grant.

Mr Scobie added the royal couple did not “necessarily” owe the money back.

However, he said having the “looming” debt could have been “an excuse for other things to be used against you”.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will still be able to use Frogmore Cottage as their UK residence, it is understood.

Recently, the couple signed a multi-year production deal with video streaming giant Netflix.

READ: Meghan Markle issues emotional call for female empowerment – ‘It’s the confidence!’

Reports vary wildly in estimating the value of the deal, but it is generally claimed to be worth over £100 million.

It will see the couple produce content for the video streaming service including documentaries and children’s shows.

Harry and Meghan said in a statement: “Through our work with diverse communities and their environments, to shining a light on people and causes around the world, our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope.

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“As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us, as is powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens.”

Meanwhile, Ted Sarandos, chief content officer at Netflix, said the firm is “incredibly proud” to have been chosen by the Duke and Duchess as their “creative home”.

It is reported the couple also held meetings with a number of rivals to the streaming site.

Meghan has been involved in showbusiness before – she was known for starring in the US television drama Suits before her marriage to Prince Harry.

However, the Netflix deal is not the only source of income for the couple as they seek financial independence from the Royal Family.

In June, it was reported the Duke and Duchess could earn up to $1 million per speech after signing up to high-profile speaking agency Harry Walker.

Other celebrities on the agency’s roster include actors such as Matthew McConaughey, former presidents of the US, and sports stars such as Venus Williams.

The Duke and Duchess stepped down as senior royals and moved to California earlier this year.

They initially lived in Los Angeles, though they have reportedly moved to the coastal region of Santa Barbara.

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