Who Pays for Meghan Markle's Clothes?

From Cosmopolitan

Meghan Markle has shown off impressive personal style as she assimilates into the royal family, but some outfits have come at a royally steep price. (That white Amanda Wakeley coat she wore on Commonwealth Day with the Queen cost almost $2,000.) The future duchess' outfits for official events have already totaled $28,688 so far-so who’s covering the charges?

Meghan and Harry are paying for the wardrobe themselves, People reports, since it's against royal protocol to accept free clothes.

The Duchess of Cambridge famously "has a policy not to accept any free offers of clothing," a spokesperson for the royal told People in 2011. She didn't "receive any special clothing budget" for her royal tour of Canada and California that year, her rep added.

"She doesn’t take free clothes, and I’ve heard that from other people who sent her things," designer Katherine Hooker, whose designs the Duchess has worn-and bought, told Huffington Post in 2013.

Even though assistants (like Kate Middleton's right-hand, Natasha Archer) may call in a few looks from designers, they'll send back the unused clothes and pay for the pieces that were worn.

Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge source their expenses from money they receive from Prince Charles' $28 million Duchy of Cornwall income, People adds. Last year, the three reportedly spent about $4.8 million of that fund for salaries, office costs and other business-related expenses-including wardrobes.

Since she's not yet married to Harry, Markle doesn't benefit from Prince Charles' funding. But she will after her wedding on May 19. Until then, she'll have to buy all her designer clothing out of pocket.

Markle has an estimated net worth of $5 million, while Harry's is estimated to be at least $25 million, Money reports. The former actress reportedly made $50,000 per episode of Suits, making her annual salary $450,000, according to Fortune.

Take a look back at some of the most stylish (and ~expensive~) looks Markle has worn in the royal public eye. There's this Alexander McQueen suit, which consists of a $1,995 blazer and $795 pair of trousers. SHOP

There was this Stella McCartney silk belted coat, retailing for $1,881 (£1,350).

There was also Markle's Christmas look-consisting of a Sentaler coat, Philip Treacy hat, Chloé bag, Stuart Weitzman boots, and Birks earrings-that reportedly totaled at almost $10,000.

And last but not least, there's the stunning Ralph & Russo couture gown Markle wore in her engagement portraits. The dress cost $75,000 and was "privately purchased," Kensington Palace confirmed to Daily Mail.

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