Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reportedly asked the late Queen Elizabeth II if they could live in Windsor Castle after their 2018 wedding, but the request was firmly denied. According to The Times, the late Queen considered the request inappropriate, as at the time only she and Prince Philip maintained private apartments within the castle.
Initial Residence at Nottingham Cottage
Following their marriage, Meghan moved into Harry's modest Nottingham Cottage on the Kensington Palace estate, where he had proposed. The couple lived there for several months before being gifted Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate by the Queen.
Windsor Castle Request Denied
Royal author and historian Hugo Vickers told The Times: "There are empty bedrooms and suites in the private apartments which the Sussexes may have had their eye on, or perhaps some former living quarters in the castle grounds converted into other things. But I can see how it might not be entirely appropriate to have a young family living there." The Queen's decision was reportedly firm, and the couple instead moved to Frogmore Cottage.
Frogmore Cottage as a Gift
In her book The New Royals, royal expert Katie Nicholl quoted Lady Elizabeth Anson, who died in 2020: "The cottage was a big deal. The Queen's entrance into the gardens is right next to their cottage. It is essentially her backyard, her solitude, and her privacy. She was giving that up in gifting Harry and Meghan Frogmore Cottage. We all thought it was very big of her. She said 'I hope they'll respect it'."
Harry and Meghan's Love for Frogmore
Prince Harry expressed deep affection for Frogmore Cottage in his 2023 memoir Spare: "We loved that place. From the first minute. It felt as if we were destined to live there. 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."
Royal Privileges and Departure
Despite serving as senior working royals for less than two years, the Sussexes occupied two royal residences before their explosive departure from the Firm in 2020. Windsor Castle remains a special place for the couple, as it is where they married and held Archie's christening.
