The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s former UK home, Frogmore Cottage, remains unoccupied more than a year after Prince Harry and Meghan officially moved out. According to Palace officials at the annual Sovereign Grant briefing, there have been no new tenants in the Grade II Crown Estate property located in Windsor Home Park. The Sussexes vacated the four-bedroom abode on 29 June 2023 after repaying the £2.4m refurbishment and rental costs.
A Palace official stated, “During the year, Frogmore Cottage has remained empty. I don’t think, at this point, I would speculate on who will be the future occupants of the cottage.” The Sovereign Grant has been fully reimbursed for the refurbishment costs of Frogmore Cottage, with only routine maintenance expenses having occurred since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left.
There were previous reports that the disgraced Duke of York was offered Frogmore Cottage as an alternative residence to the larger Royal Lodge. However, Prince Andrew reportedly signed a 75-year lease on the Royal Lodge mansion back in 2003, making him ineligible for the smaller cottage.
After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan relocated to the United States with their son Prince Archie. Following a brief stay at Hollywood producer Tyler Perry’s Beverly Hills mansion, the couple purchased a $15 million home in Montecito. In 2021, they welcomed their daughter, Princess Lilibet, into the world.
Strained Relations with the Royal Family
The Duke’s visits to the UK have been limited, with reports indicating that he declined his father King Charles’ offer to stay in a royal residence during his visit in May. Tensions between Harry and the royal family have risen in recent years, particularly after the Sussexes made explosive claims about various family members in interviews and documentaries. Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” also shed light on his experiences living in Frogmore Cottage.
In his memoir, Harry expressed his love for Frogmore Cottage, which was gifted to them by the late Queen. He described it as a place that felt destined for them, where they enjoyed walks in the gardens and interactions with the swans. Despite the current vacancy at Frogmore Cottage, the memories of their time there remain close to Harry and Meghan’s hearts.
Overall, the status of Frogmore Cottage reflects the evolving dynamics within the royal family and the personal journey that Harry and Meghan have undertaken since their departure from the UK. As the future of the cottage remains uncertain, it stands as a symbol of the transitions and transformations that continue to shape the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
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