Senior Members of Parliament are demanding answers about the controversial £2.4 million refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, questioning whether British taxpayers received value for money in the extensive renovations of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's former Windsor home.
Liberal Democrat MP Sir Ed Davey has joined Conservative backbenchers in calling for a thorough investigation into the funding arrangements, which saw public money used to transform the property from five separate staff accommodations into a single residence for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The Financial Controversy
The Sovereign Grant, funded by taxpayers, covered the substantial renovation costs before the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Prince Harry later repaid £2.4 million, but MPs argue this doesn't address whether the initial expenditure was justified.
Sir Ed Davey emphasised the need for transparency, stating: "The public deserve to know whether their money was spent appropriately and whether proper procedures were followed in this significant expenditure."
Current Occupancy Raises Questions
Adding to the controversy, the property is now occupied by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, despite her having no formal royal role. This arrangement has raised eyebrows among parliamentarians and transparency campaigners alike.
Conservative MPs have echoed concerns, with one senior backbencher noting: "The sequence of events – from substantial public investment to private repayment to current occupancy arrangements – requires proper scrutiny to ensure public confidence in royal finances."
Broader Implications for Royal Funding
The Frogmore Cottage situation comes amid wider debates about the transparency of royal finances and the appropriate use of public funds for maintaining royal residences. Parliament's Public Accounts Committee is now under pressure to examine the case as part of its oversight responsibilities.
As one Westminster insider commented: "This isn't just about one property – it's about ensuring proper accountability for all public spending, including that which supports the monarchy."
The ongoing scrutiny highlights growing parliamentary interest in the financial arrangements of the royal household and sets the stage for potential reforms in how royal funding is approved and monitored.
