In a surprising twist to the ongoing royal property saga, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has reportedly moved into Frogmore Cottage - the former Windsor home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The Sun newspaper has revealed that the Duchess has been quietly using the property as her base while in the UK, despite having her own residence in Royal Lodge with her ex-husband Prince Andrew.
A Royal Reshuffle
The five-bedroom Grade II listed cottage, which sits within the grounds of Windsor Castle's Home Park, became the centre of controversy when Harry and Meghan were asked to vacate the property earlier this year.
Sources suggest that Sarah's occupation of Frogmore Cottage represents a significant development in the complex web of royal housing arrangements. The property underwent extensive renovations funded by the Sovereign Grant before Harry and Meghan's tenure, costing taxpayers approximately £2.4 million.
Family Connections and Speculation
What makes this arrangement particularly intriguing is the relationship between Sarah Ferguson and the Sussexes. While the Duchess has maintained she remains on good terms with both Harry and Meghan, her move into their former home has raised eyebrows among royal watchers.
The property shuffle comes at a sensitive time for the royal family, with King Charles continuing to streamline royal residences and reduce costs following his accession to the throne.
Windsor's Royal Community
Frogmore Cottage's location places Sarah Ferguson at the heart of the Windsor royal community, where several senior royals maintain residences. The property's history dates back to the 18th century and it has served various royal purposes throughout its existence.
Royal commentators suggest this move might indicate a rehabilitation of sorts for the Duchess, who has maintained a complex relationship with the institution since her divorce from Prince Andrew in 1996.
The arrangement appears to be temporary, though no official confirmation has been provided by Buckingham Palace regarding the terms of her stay or the future plans for the historic property.
