Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Being Asked to Vacate Frogmore Cottage
It's official: The Sussexes are moving out. According to a report from the Sun, King Charles has asked Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to vacate Frogmore Cottage, which has served as their official residence in the United Kingdom. (A spokesperson from the couple's Archewell organization later confirmed the news with CBS.)
Since the famous couple announced they would be stepping back from their Royal roles in January 2020—and currently live in sunny California full-time—this may not be a total surprise for some Royal spectators. However—between the couple's documentary, Harry's explosive tell-all, and King Charles' upcoming coronation in May—this news comes at a particularly interesting time.
So what will happen to the regal residence? And what exactly is Frogmore Cottage anyway? Consider the English breakfast tea spilled.
Where Is Frogmore Cottage?
Unlike the Royal Family's more notable properties like Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, Frogmore Cottage is actually outside of London. Located in Winsdor, which is coincidentally where Harry and Meghan got married in 2018, the Frogmore Cottage was originally purchased in 1792 as a respite for Queen Charlotte and her daughters. Since then, the property has housed an array of historic figures like Abdul Karim and Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna.
When Did Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Move Into Frogmore Cottage?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have a longstanding appreciation for Frogmore Cottage. Not only did the couple take their engagement photos on the property, but Frogmore Cottage also served as the location of their private evening wedding party. It was only fitting that Queen Elizabeth II gifted Frogmore Cottage to Harry and Meghan in 2019, a few short months before they welcomed their son, Archie.
Though it's been a minute since the couple lived in Frogmore Cottage full-time, they would stay at the home during recent (and albeit scarce) trips across the pond. In fact, the couple reportedly held daughter Lilibet's first birthday party while they were in town to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
What Is Frogmore Cottage Like?
Frogmore might be labeled a "cottage," but this property is by no means quaint. Surrounded by lush countryside, the stucco Georgian-era home boasts a whopping 10 bedrooms and reportedly underwent extensive renovations to accommodate Harry and Meghan's growing family. (Highlights reportedly included a custom kitchen and dining room; a green-energy center to make the property more eco-friendly; and a "floating floor" that many speculate was used as a private yoga studio.)
If the new-and-improved space didn't already epitomize the lap of luxury, it's worth noting that 20 officers were hired to guard the home, adding £750,000 to its total.
Why Are Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Vacating Frogmore Cottage?
While King Charles didn't cite an official reason for the eviction notice, we wouldn't be surprised to hear that the public tension was a root cause. As an insider reportedly told the Sun, "This surely spells the end of Harry and Meghan’s time in the UK.” Since Frogmore Cottage was the couple's sole residence in the United Kingdom, they are reportedly shipping everything to their home in Montecito, California.
Who Will Live in Frogmore Cottage Next?
If King Charles has it his way, Frogmore Cottage will not remain vacant for long. According to the Sun, the monarch is looking to give the property to Prince Andrew, his brother who has been linked to Jeffrey Epstein. (Earlier this year, it was reported that the disgraced prince was asked to vacate the apartment in Buckingham Palace where he lived for years.)
Though Andrew has yet to officially accept the offer—and has been noted as "resisting" the gift—it's unclear whether or not he'll be Frogmore Cottage's latest tenant.
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