Frogmore Cottage, the picturesque Windsor estate that once housed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has become the unlikely centrepiece of a royal financial controversy involving millions of pounds and a remarkable family reshuffle.
The Grade II listed property, situated just a stone's throw from Windsor Castle in the heart of the Royal Estate, underwent a staggering £7 million renovation funded by the Sovereign Grant - money that ultimately comes from British taxpayers.
The Multi-Million Pound Transformation
What was originally five separate staff cottages was transformed into a single, luxurious dwelling fit for royalty. The extensive works included complete rewiring, new plumbing, and the installation of modern heating systems throughout the historic property.
Buckingham Palace defended the substantial expenditure, stating the property had been in poor condition and required significant upgrades to make it suitable for royal occupation. However, the revelation sparked considerable public debate about royal spending at a time when many Britons were facing economic hardship.
From Sussex to York: The Royal Reshuffle
Following Harry and Meghan's decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to North America in 2020, the cottage's future became uncertain. In a surprising turn of events, Prince Andrew - the Duke of York - was granted permission to move into the property.
This arrangement came after Andrew was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages amid the controversy surrounding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Queen personally approved the move, allowing her second son to remain within the Windsor estate.
A Property Steeped in Royal History
Frogmore Cottage forms part of the Frogmore Estate, which has been royal property since the 17th century. The main Frogmore House, separate from the cottage, has long been a favourite retreat for royal family members seeking privacy away from the public eye.
The estate's gardens contain the Royal Mausoleum where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are buried, adding to the location's historical significance within the royal family's story.
The Financial Fallout and Repayment
Following public outcry over the renovation costs, Prince Harry later revealed he had repaid the £7 million spent on Frogmore Cottage. In his memoir 'Spare', the Duke of Sussex stated he felt compelled to settle the debt to ensure his family had a secure home in the UK.
The repayment came through the couple's lucrative deals with streaming services and publishing houses, marking another chapter in the complex relationship between the Sussexes and the institution that funded their former home's transformation.
Today, Frogmore Cottage stands as both a beautiful royal residence and a symbol of the ongoing evolution of the modern monarchy - representing everything from family dynamics and financial accountability to the changing face of royal life in the 21st century.
