Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s former home, Frogmore Cottage, is still empty — even though it’s been over a year since the couple officially moved out.
Palace officials confirmed that the four-bedroom property in the grounds of Windsor Castle had not welcomed any new tenants as part of this year’s renovations. Sovereign subsidy Press release.
The Sussexes had been asked to leave Frogmore with their assets in 2023, just weeks after the publication of Harry’s controversial memoir, ‘Spare’.
GB News understands that the Duke of Sussex, who has only visited the UK twice from California this year, is now staying in hotels when visiting his homeland.
The Sussexes had been asked to leave Frogmore with their assets in 2023
Pennsylvania
A Palace official said: “During the year, Frogmore The chalet remained empty.
“I don’t think, at this stage, I would speculate on who the future occupants of the chalet will be.”
He added: “The Sovereign Grant was fully reimbursed for the renovation costs of Frogmore Cottage when it was originally provided to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and therefore there are no costs to the Sovereign Grant other than some routine maintenance work, but these would be required for any of the buildings.”
In 2019, royal accounts showed Harry and Meghan had paid around £2.4million to cover the renovation and rental of the cottage – but just four years later they were out of pocket.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SUSSEXES:
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were evicted from Frogmore Cottage last year
Getty
Harry and Meghan paid around £2.4million to cover the renovation and rental of the cottage in 2019
Pennsylvania
Frogmore was a gift to the Sussexes from the late Queen, but after moving in following the birth of Prince Archie, they relocated to the US, only using the property a handful of times after that.
While Prince Andrew had been touted as the Sussexes’ successor by moving to Frogmore, the Duke of York still has more than five decades left on the 75-year lease he signed for the Royal Lodge – in Windsor Great Park, between Windsor and leafy Egham.
The king is said to have urged his disgraced brother to leave the 30-room lodge, with royal commentator Tom Quinn saying: “This sends a message to Harry that as a private citizen and no longer a working member of the Royal Family, he will never be allowed back at Frogmore.”
A royal source recently told The Times that the olive branch to Andrew had “the advantage of being within the security cordon of Windsor Castle, reducing the need for 24-hour alternative security for the Royal Box”.
The Sussexes left Frogmore after the birth of Prince Archie
Pennsylvania
But whatever the machinations around the royal residences, Harry hopes to return to Berkshire later this year for a lavish party hosted by the newly-married son of India’s richest man at Stoke Park, near Slough.
The Grade II listed ‘seven-star’ hotel is owned by Anant Ambani’s multi-billionaire father Mukesh, prompting a source to tell The Sun: ‘The Ambanis don’t do things by halves and so they had no hesitation in booking the entire place for two months.
“The bride, groom and family will attend various parties planned for now and in September.
“Security has been stepped up and has been alerted to the presence of Boris Johnson, Tony and Cherie Blair. Prince Harry is also hoping to make an appearance.”