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London - Prince Harry and his wife Meghan's new home in Windsor cost 2.4 million (R43 482 418,75) to renovate, royal accounts showed Tuesday, prompting criticism from anti-monarchy campaigners.
Queen Elizabeth II's grandson and his wife moved into Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Castle estate before the birth of their son Archie on 6 May.
The residence, west of London, had been split into five separate homes but was turned back into one property in a six-month refurbishment ahead of their move-in.
"The property had not been the subject of work for some years and had already been earmarked for renovation," said Michael Stevens, who runs the monarchy's accounts.
"The building was returned to a single residence and outdated infrastructure was replaced to guarantee the long-term future of the property.
"All fixtures and fittings were paid for by their royal highnesses," added Stevens, whose title is Keeper of the Privy Purse.
The cost was revealed as the British monarchy published its accounts for the last financial year.
READ MORE: 4 things about the royal finances this year that will totally surprise you
The monarchy's running costs are paid for using a slice of the profits from the land it owns, with the rest going to the government.
The monarchy's official expenditure in the financial year 2018-2019 was 67 million, including souping up the 1801-built Frogmore Cottage - an increase of almost 20 million on the previous financial year.
The renovation and rise in overall spending provoked condemnation from campaigners who want to abolish the monarchy.
"This year's increases are outrageous at a time of widespread spending cuts," said Graham Smith, chief executive of the Republic campaign group, as he called for a parliamentary inquiry.
The Frogmore Cottage costs made the front page of several newspapers.
The Daily Mail's royal expert Richard Kay wrote that critics would cite it as Harry and Meghan's "insouciance for public relations and an instinct for extravagance that sits awkwardly with their attempt to position themselves as modern".
BUCKINGHAM PALACE REFIT
Under a deal dating back to 1760, profits from the Crown Estate -- the monarch's hereditary land and property portfolio -- are surrendered to the Treasury, which in return funds the monarchy's running costs with some of that money, through the sovereign grant.
The grant amounts to 15 percent of the Crown Estate profits.
The grant is not income for the royals but pays for the monarch's household staff, property maintenance, official travel, housekeeping and hospitality.
For 10 years starting last year, there is an additional 10 percent grant to cover the renovation of Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth's official residence in London.
The Crown Estate's profits were up 4.3 percent to a record 343.5 million.
The sovereign grant for 2018-2019 was 82.2 million - up from 76.1 million the previous year.
The 82.2 million comprised of a 49.3 million core grant plus a further 32.9 million for the Buckingham Palace work of replacing old wiring, water pipes and boilers, some of which has not been done since the 1950s.
"The 10-year reserving programme presents a unique opportunity for innovation and investment in one of the world's most prestigious and iconic historic buildings, thereby preserving it for future generations," Stevens said.
The monarchy spent 67 million and the rest went to the reserves for future renovations.
The figures out Tuesday showed the royals spent 23.2 million on wages for the equivalent of 463 full-time staff.
They splashed 2.3 million on official hospitality and housekeeping, including 1.7 million on food and drink for around 160 000 guests.
Cleaning and laundry came to 600 000, while the wine and spirits bill was 400 000, with wine being held in stock to age.
The royal family carried out more than 3 200 official engagements in Britain and around the world in the financial year to April.
