Palace Confirms Frogmore Cottage Stands Empty Over a Year After Sussexes' Departure
Frogmore Cottage, the former residence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, remains unoccupied over a year after the couple was asked to vacate. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had invested approximately £2.4 million in refurbishing the property, a sum they have fully repaid, as confirmed by Palace officials.
In a recent Sovereign Grant press release, officials stated that the four-bedroom property on the grounds of Windsor Castle has not been occupied by new tenants since the Sussexes' departure. The couple was instructed to clear their belongings from Frogmore in 2023, shortly after the release of Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare."
Despite its empty status, Prince Harry has only returned to the UK twice this year, opting to stay in hotels during these visits. A Palace spokesperson remarked, "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 spokesperson also confirmed that the refurbishment costs have been fully reimbursed to the Sovereign Grant, with only routine maintenance expenses remaining. The Sussexes originally moved into Frogmore Cottage as a gift from the late Queen, shortly after the birth of their son, Archie. However, they relocated to the United States, using the property sparingly thereafter.
There were speculations that Prince Andrew might move into Frogmore, but he holds a long-term lease on the Royal Lodge, another property within Windsor Great Park. Reports suggest King Charles is encouraging Prince Andrew to vacate the 30-room Lodge, with Royal commentator Tom Quinn noting, "It sends a message to Harry that, as a private citizen and no longer a working royal, he will never be allowed back to Frogmore."
Prince Harry is expected to visit the UK later this year for a high-profile event hosted by the son of India's wealthiest man at Stoke Park. The lavish celebration, orchestrated by Anant Ambani's billionaire father Mukesh, underscores the Sussexes' enduring connection to prominent global figures.
