Once a home filled with royal dreams, Frogmore Cottage now stands empty. Nearly four years after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle traded British royalty for Californian sunshine, their former abode remains unoccupied.
Frogmore Cottage, a cherished gift from the late Queen Elizabeth, was once Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle’s haven. Since their departure, Frogmore Cottage has remained abandoned, a stark reminder of their shift from royal life to new beginnings.
A general view of Frogmore Cottage on the Home Park Estate, Windsor pictured on January 14, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
In 2023, the couple were officially asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage, which they had initially left behind when they moved to California in 2020. This was just after Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” caused waves with its revelations about his family.
Their spokesperson confirmed the move in a statement. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage,” he said.
A general view of Frogmore Cottage at Frogmore Cottage on April 10, 2019, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
The Grade II-listed property is nestled in Windsor Home Park, and part of the Crown Estate. It now remains untouched and unoccupied, according to recent updates from the Sovereign Grant briefing.
Palace insiders have revealed that there are no new occupants at the historic residence. On recent visits to the UK, Prince Harry has chosen the comfort of a hotel over returning to his former royal residence.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Frogmore Kitchen | Source: YouTube/@Netflix
A palace spokesperson confirmed the ongoing vacancy, remarking that speculation about future residents of Frogmore Cottage remains premature. “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 person said.
The Sovereign Grant, funded by taxpayers, was initially used to refurbish the property, costing around $3 million. However, as part of their move toward financial independence, Harry reportedly personally covered the renovation expenses, repaying the fund.
Meghan decorating a section of living space area in Frogmore Cottage | Source: YouTube/@Netflix
Even as the residence remains empty, it had been briefly occupied by other royal family members. The residence welcomed Harry’s cousin, before being left vacant. Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank stayed there shortly. They used it as their home before the arrival of their son, August, in February 2021.
Prince Harry and Meghan inside the dining area of Frogmore Cottage | Source: YouTube/@Netflix
At the time, a source mentioned that Frogmore Cottage continued to be the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ residence in the UK. Still, they were thrilled to share their home with Eugenie and Jack as they started their own family.
Harry and Meghan moved into Frogmore Cottage from Nottingham Cottage ahead of their son Archie’s birth in 2019. The property holds fond memories for the couple. They once expressed their gratitude for having an official residence on the estate, calling Windsor a “very special place.”
In June 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan made their way back to the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
During this time, they took up residence at Frogmore Cottage, just a short half-mile from Windsor Castle. Their visit coincided with a milestone moment for their family: their daughter Lilibet Diana’s first birthday.
A photo of Lilibet taken on Frogmore Cottage backyard | Source: X/misanharriman
To mark the occasion, the couple threw a cozy, intimate backyard picnic at Frogmore Cottage, inviting close friends and family to join in the festivities.
Inside Lilibet’s birthday in Frogmore Cottage | Source: X/misanharriman
This trip was particularly special as it was Lilibet’s first journey to her father’s homeland. Born in California, Lilibet had yet to experience the UK, while her older brother, Archie, had not been back since he was just six months old.
Since their move to California, Harry and Meghan have embraced their new life there. In a 2022 interview, the Duchess of Sussex expressed their deep satisfaction with their Montecito home, stating they did everything they could to secure it.
The Montecito property, complete with enchanting gardens, a chicken coop, and a pair of palm trees, holds a special place in their hearts. Meghan recounted how these palm trees became symbolic for them.
She revealed that during their first visit to the house, Harry immediately noticed the trees and remarked on their unique connection at the base, calling them a reflection of their bond. Meghan added that every day, when their son Archie sees the palm trees, he cheerfully greets them with a friendly “Hi, Momma. Hi, Papa.”
As Frogmore Cottage remains unoccupied, Harry and Meghan have fully embraced their new life in Montecito. Despite leaving their UK residence behind, the couple seems to have found true happiness in their Californian retreat.