Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are set to return to the United Kingdom in August 2026. However, they will not be making their home at Frogmore Cottage, which served as their primary residence from 2019 until their relocation to California in 2020.
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Frogmore Cottage, situated on the Frogmore estate near Windsor Home Park, was extensively renovated prior to the couple’s move in 2019. The property was initially bestowed upon them as a wedding gift from Queen Elizabeth II. It became home to them shortly before they welcomed their first child, Prince Archie, in May of that year. Prior to relocating to Frogmore, Harry and Meghan resided at Nottingham Cottage, a modest two-bedroom property located on the grounds of Kensington Palace.
The Duke and Duchess’ time at Frogmore Cottage was brief. In early 2020, they made the decision to step back from their roles as working royals, shortly after which they began their journey in North America, first spending time in Canada before ultimately establishing a permanent residence in California. Their daughter, Princess Lilibet, was born in the United States in 2021.
Despite calling California home, Frogmore Cottage remained a base for the Sussexes during various visits to the UK. However, following the release of Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” in January 2023, they were asked to vacate the property. By June of that year, they officially removed their belongings, with sources noting that the couple approached the situation with a sense of acceptance.
As they prepare for their return to Britain, reports indicate that Harry and Meghan will be staying in a privately owned residence with their two children, Archie and Lilibet. They will maintain their homes in California and Portugal while settling back into life in the UK.
Frogmore Cottage has a rich history, having been originally commissioned by Queen Charlotte in 1801. Over the years, it has seen notable residents, including Abdul Karim, who served as Queen Victoria’s aide. Karim faced significant prejudice during his time at Frogmore, particularly following the Queen’s death in 1901, when undesirable efforts were made to erase his connection to the royal family.
In 2017, the grounds of Frogmore House, located adjacent to Frogmore Cottage, served as a picturesque backdrop for the couple’s engagement photos. Their wedding took place at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in May 2018, followed by an evening reception at Frogmore House. Queen Elizabeth’s gift of the cottage included significant renovations that transformed it from five divided staff residences into a spacious five-bedroom family home.
The renovation work undertaken by Harry and Meghan was extensive and costly, with reports suggesting it approached £3 million. It encompassed major upgrades to heating, electrical systems, and plumbing, along with aesthetic changes. The funding for much of the structural work came from the Sovereign Grant, although the couple personally paid for many of the bespoke features and fittings. They were keen to ensure that any expenses not covered by public funds would be personally financed, including furnishings and garden enhancements.
After stepping back from royal duties, Harry repaid the public money used for the renovations, emphasising their desire for financial independence and distancing themselves from ongoing royal obligations. The couple’s time at Frogmore Cottage, while brief, became a focal point in their narrative as they navigated the challenges of life away from royal duties.
Following their exit, Frogmore Cottage remained occupied for a time by Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank. However, as of now, the cottage lies vacant. Reports indicate that King Charles has contemplated offering the property to other family members, although this has yet to materialise.
As discussions around Frogmore Cottage continue, plans to reverse alterations made during Harry and Meghan’s residency are reportedly underway. There are indications that the property may be subdivided again, returning it to its previous state as two semi-detached homes. For now, the future of Frogmore Cottage remains uncertain as the Sussexes prepare for their anticipated return to the UK.