The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were asked to leave Frogmore Cottage shortly after Prince Harry’s book, “Spare,” revealed royal secrets and portrayed Queen Camilla as a schemer vying for the throne. They vacated the cottage in summer, paving the way for King Charles III’s attempts to house Prince Andrew at Royal Lodge but facing refusal.
As a result, Frogmore Cottage has remained empty since then. A representative from Buckingham Palace confirmed its vacancy, expressing uncertainty regarding Andrew’s relocation. Criticism arose questioning the necessity of evicting Harry and Meghan when they were willing to pay rent and keep it as their U.K. base, especially with it now unused due to Andrew’s refusal to reside there.
Frogmore Cottage is owned by The Crown Estate, a public asset channeling its profits back to the U.K. government. The rent paid by Harry and Meghan would have supported public services and the monarchy. The cottage served as more than a residence for the Sussexes, offering proximity to Windsor Castle with police protection, unlike Prince Andrew’s residence.
Following the couple’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, their police protection was withdrawn, resulting in Harry’s ongoing legal battle to reinstate it. Despite unsuccessful lawsuits, he aims for redress from the U.K. Court of Appeal. Prince Andrew’s public life waned due to controversies surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Harry and Meghan received the lease for Frogmore Cottage after their wedding, working on renovations to create a family home for themselves and their son, Archie. The move sparked public scrutiny over renovation costs, initially funded by taxpayers but later repaid by the couple. The house remained largely unused after their relocation to the U.S., albeit visited during their stays in the U.K., such as for the Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
The decision to evict them from Frogmore Cottage post-Harry’s memoir hinted at tensions, especially with plans to accommodate Andrew there. The couple’s reimbursement for the cottage renovations was stated in the 2023 Sovereign Grant report, portraying the Crown with a more valuable asset.