Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Reportedly Spark Taxpayer Fury With Expensive Trips Amid Engagement Rumors

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing accusations of behavior that allegedly isn’t very royal. With engagement rumors soaring even higher now that Pippa Middleton’s extravagant wedding is over, Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly are infuriating taxpayers with plans for expensive voyages. Will he and Markle alter their trip plans and focus on heading to the altar instead?

At this point, Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly are planning to make trips to both Singapore and Australia. Then, once those journeys are completed, Harry is expecting to proclaim his engagement to Markle in early August, according to Celebrity Insider.

Meghan recently made headlines by flaunting her figure in a backless dress at Pippa Middleton’s wedding. But just after stealing the spotlight at that occasion, now Markle reportedly will be in the headlines once more for choosing to join Prince Harry on his official trips in June.

By accompanying her royal boyfriend on those journeys, Meghan reportedly will be sparking controversy. The official announcement from Kensington Palace, however, stated only that Prince Harry plans to head to Singapore on June 5.

The journey will give Harry the opportunity to participate in the Royal Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, an annual fundraising event. The charity was formed in 2006 to help children in Southern Africa who have HIV.

In addition, Prince Harry is scheduled to jet off to Sydney, where he will launch the fourth Invictus Games on June 7. This international sporting event focuses on helping wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.

Although the two trips are to different locations for varying purposes, they have something in common, according to sources cited by the publication. Markle will travel with her royal boyfriend on both occasions.

Meghan’s decision to travel with Prince Harry shows more than just a desire to be with her boyfriend, however. Known as a humanitarian and philanthropist, Markle reportedly wants to support Harry in his goals on this trip, which focus on raising money to assist those in need.

But despite those reportedly virtuous goals, the publication reported that “taxpayers will be fuming for sponsoring Markle’s trips,” noting that as a result, the prince has chosen to make sure Meghan travels with him in a “discrete manner.” If and when Prince Harry announces his engagement, however, the spotlight will change from highlighting allegedly infuriated taxpayers to planning for the wedding.

An insider quoted by the publication revealed that Harry plans to announce his engagement to Markle by August 4, and the Queen has reportedly given her blessing.

“The way it’s going, the engagement will probably happen this year. Harry has got approval from the Queen to propose to Meghan.”

It’s not known where the queen stands on the issue of having Markle travel with the prince and therefore allegedly sparking a taxpayer controversy.

“The truth of the matter is that many British people are already frustrated by the fact that they have to handle the bill for Harry’s luxurious…lifestyle, so adding Markle to the list will create a backlash,” reported the publication.

And regardless of the alleged frustration and fury from the population, the source described the engagement as “imminent” because Prince Harry has “already had those conversations with Her Majesty.” He and the Queen reportedly have enjoyed a “good relationship,” noted the insider.

As for why wait until August, Harry reportedly does not want to take the spotlight away from some other events planned in the United Kingdom earlier this summer. The source therefore predicted that the engagement announcement “is unlikely” to take place prior to August 4. And when it does, get ready for royal rejoicing, based on the insider’s description of the royal family.

“They are an extremely close-knit family.”

Adding to the engagement rumors, a close friend of Meghan’s recently talked about the romance between Harry and the actress. Priyanka Chopra shared that she hopes they will get engaged, reported the Express.

Appearing on the Wendy Williams Show, Chopra was questioned about whether Meghan and Prince Harry will wed.

“I hope so! She seems happy,” gushed Markle’s close pal. “I think they look great together.”

Priyanka expressed doubts that she would be invited to serve as Meghan’s bridemaid, however. Describing the additional media attention that her presence would bring as “stressful,” she emphasized that her focus is on being a friend.

“High profile relationships are so stressful anyway. As a friend I wouldn’t like to add on that at all,” summed up the actress.

[Featured Image by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for ELLE]