The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent less than a year at Frogmore Cottage in 2019, yet they invested £2.4 million in renovations and decor. The property, gifted by the late Queen as a wedding present, was transformed from two semi-detached houses into a single family home, furnished with items from the luxury brand Soho Home.
However, in January 2020, the couple stepped down as working royals and relocated to Montecito, California, where they now live with their children, Archie (seven) and Lilibet (four). Harry repaid the £2.4 million six months later and was officially evicted by King Charles in 2023, shortly after publishing his controversial memoir, Spare.
Now, the future of Frogmore Cottage is under review, with one option being to subdivide the Crown Estate property back to its original layout before the Sussexes' renovations. The feasibility of separation is being assessed, but construction has not started. Insiders describe it as a major and costly renovation.
The Renovations
The Sussexes' renovations included replacing ceiling beams and floor joists, rewiring the electrical system, installing new gas and water mains, adding £50,000 soundproofing, and decorating with vegan paint. The Duchess enlisted Vicky Charles, a top designer from Soho House and a friend to the Beckhams and Clooneys, for the decor.
The Kitchen
In their Netflix documentary, the couple gave a glimpse of their open-plan kitchen, featuring a spacious breakfast bar and a marble-topped island. Dark wooden cupboards with gold handles and a marble countertop added a modern touch. Personal items like picture frames and a vase of roses decorated the space.
The Living Room
Photos from Lilibet's first birthday revealed a living room with high ceilings, large framed artwork, and industrial-style gallery lighting. A traditional floral rug covered most of the wooden flooring, which the couple reportedly preserved. An armchair with light upholstery was visible in one image.
The Bedroom
An intimate photo showed newborn Archie sleeping on Harry's chest, with a framed picture of Princess Diana on the dresser. Meghan brought a painting by Inslee Fariss titled 'Babe No. 5', purchased for £520. A fiddle leaf fig plant and a gilded mirror with brass sconces completed the decor.
The Bathroom
A sweet photo captured Harry bathing Archie while Meghan beamed. The bathroom featured a vintage roll-top bath with brass taps and decorative tiles. A second bath, a £5,000 copper free-standing model by William Holland, was installed in the bedroom. Tiles from Bert & May, costing around £5 each, added a reclaimed aesthetic.
The Garden
Photos showed Harry running on the lawn with dogs, surrounded by trees and bushes. A wooden bench with a trellis offered a tranquil spot. Lilibet's birthday photos revealed a caged area, possibly for an organic vegetable plot the couple planned. Guests sat around a grey wire table during the party.
In his memoir, Harry expressed love for Frogmore Cottage, saying, 'We loved that place. It felt as if we were destined to live there.'
