A little-known arrangement meant that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stopped paying rent on Frogmore Cottage after they repaid millions of pounds in renovation costs. Questions over royal housing arrangements have resurfaced amid ongoing scrutiny of Crown Estate rental agreements, with attention once again turning to the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Background on Frogmore Cottage
The issue has gained fresh prominence following discussion around Prince Andrew's reported "peppercorn rent" arrangement, while a Public Accounts Committee inquiry continues to examine the Crown Estate's dealings with members of the Royal Family. Among the properties attracting interest is Frogmore Cottage, the Windsor residence once occupied by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle before they stepped back from royal duties.
During their time at the property, the Sussexes paid what was described as a commercial rent to the Crown Estate. However, that arrangement changed after the couple announced they would no longer serve as working members of the Royal Family in 2020.
Repayment of Renovation Costs
As part of the separation agreement, Harry and Meghan repaid £2.4 million spent renovating Frogmore Cottage through the Sovereign Grant. Once those costs had been settled, it is understood the couple were no longer required to make rental payments, with the improvements made to the property considered to have increased its value and effectively acted as rent in lieu.
The couple continued to retain Frogmore Cottage as their British base for several years after relocating to North America, finally giving up the property in 2023.
Significance of Frogmore Cottage
The Windsor home holds particular significance for the Sussexes as it was where they began life as parents after welcoming their son Archie, reports Hello! The property also featured in the couple's Netflix documentary series, which offered viewers rare glimpses inside their private family life, including moments spent with their young son.
Prince Harry later reflected warmly on Frogmore Cottage in his memoir, Spare. He wrote: "Meg and I moved our office into Buckingham Palace. We also moved into a new home. Frogmore was ready. We loved that place. From the first minute. It felt as if we were destined to live there."
Harry continued: "We couldn't wait to wake up in the morning, go for a long walk in the gardens, check in with the swans. Especially grumpy Steve. We met the Queen's gardeners, got to know their names and the names of all the flowers. They were thrilled at how much we appreciated, and praised, their artistry."
Current UK Residence
Since handing back Frogmore Cottage, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex no longer have a permanent UK residence. When Prince Harry returns to Britain for engagements, court appearances or family occasions, reports have suggested he has stayed at a variety of locations, including hotels and Althorp House, the ancestral Spencer family home where his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, spent part of her childhood. Today, Harry and Meghan live in Montecito, where they own a substantial family home.
