The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s renovation of Frogmore Cottage may be undone as plans for the empty property are being considered. The Grade II-listed building on Windsor Castle’s Home Park Estate underwent a £2.4 million transformation in 2018, converting five residential units into a single family home for Harry and Meghan. However, the couple lived there for only about ten months before relocating to the United States, and the cottage has remained vacant ever since.
Options for future occupancy
According to reports, assessments are underway to determine whether the property could be subdivided again, among other possibilities. No final decisions have been made, and no construction has commenced. The exploration aims to ensure future occupancy, with one option being to revert the cottage to separate homes.
Background of the property
Harry and Meghan were asked to vacate the cottage—their only UK base—and remove their remaining belongings in 2023, shortly after the duke’s memoir Spare was published. This move was seen as a significant rebuke from King Charles III to his younger son, who has criticised the monarchy since moving to North America in 2020, alleging racism and lack of support.
The couple later repaid £2.4 million to cover the refurbishment and rental costs, which had initially been funded by the Sovereign Grant—public funds exchanged for the King’s surrender of Crown Estate revenue. Royal accounts for 2018/19 described the work as “the reconfiguration and full refurbishment of five residential units in poor condition to create the official residence for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their family.”
Gifted by the late Queen
The late Queen Elizabeth II had gifted the property, managed by the Royal Household, to the Sussexes after their wedding. After moving in ahead of Prince Archie’s birth, Harry and Meghan relocated to California, using the cottage only occasionally afterward. Frogmore Cottage was later offered to Prince Andrew as part of efforts to remove him from Royal Lodge, but he declined and now resides on the King’s private Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
