Plans are reportedly being explored that could reverse the extensive renovation of Frogmore Cottage, the former UK residence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Grade II-listed property, located within Windsor Castle's Home Park, underwent a significant £2.4 million overhaul in 2018, converting five separate residential units into a single family home for Harry and Meghan. However, the couple lived there for only around 10 months before moving to the United States, leaving the cottage vacant.
Future occupancy options under review
The Sun reports that assessments are underway to determine if the property could be subdivided again, among a range of options. It is understood that no decisions have been made and no building work has started, with the exploration aiming to ensure future occupancy. One option being considered is splitting the cottage back into separate homes.
Background of the Sussexes' departure
The Duke and Duchess were asked to vacate their sole UK base in 2023, just weeks after the duke's damning memoir Spare was released. The decision was interpreted as a major rebuke by King Charles III to his youngest son, who since moving to North America in 2020 has lambasted the monarchy, alleging racism and a lack of support.
Harry and Meghan later repaid £2.4 million to cover the cottage's refurbishment and rental – the cost of which had originally fallen to the Sovereign Grant, which is met from public funds in exchange for the King's surrender of the revenue from the Crown Estate.
Original renovation and history
In 2018/19, royal accounts outlined the work at Frogmore, stating: "The scheme consisted of 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."
The late Queen Elizabeth II had gifted the property, managed by the Royal Household, for use by the Sussexes after their wedding. After moving there ahead of the birth of Prince Archie, Harry and Meghan relocated to California, only using the property a handful of times afterwards.
Frogmore Cottage was later offered to the disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as part of the bid to remove him from the Crown Estate's Royal Lodge mansion, but he turned down the offer and now lives on the King's private Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
