Plans are reportedly in place to dismantle renovations made to Frogmore Cottage, the former home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. After spending around a year at the property, the couple relocated to the United States in March 2020, leaving behind a multi-million-pound estate that has since sat vacant.
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According to a recent report from The Sun, efforts are underway to reverse the approximately £3 million enhancements that transformed Frogmore from two semi-detached houses into a modern family dwelling, reportedly intended to remove traces of the couple’s tenure there. The renovations were initially funded by the Sovereign Grant, which is comprised of taxpayer assets aimed at supporting the royal family. Following their departure from royal duties, Harry and Meghan reimbursed the Grant.
Frogmore Cottage was gifted to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle by Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding present in May 2018, just before they welcomed their son, Archie. Royal biographer Ingrid Seward revealed to PEOPLE that the property was in a poor state prior to renovations. The enhancements were significant, covering essential upgrades to infrastructure including heating, electrical, and water systems, as well as converting the space into a five-bedroom residence.
Various options are reportedly being considered for the future of Frogmore Cottage, with some suggesting a subdivision of the property as a means of repurposing it. A source shared that this could signify a decisive move to distance the location from its recent association with the couple, stating, “It’s been empty for three years… It would draw the line under Frogmore Cottage’s controversial history.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made Frogmore their principal residence from April 2019 until March 2020. During their stay, they undertook extensive renovations that lasted around six months. Notably, while the sovereign-funded repairs addressed structural integrity, the couple privately covered the costs of all movable items and decor within the cottage’s gardens. A palace source clarified that Harry and Meghan’s spending encompassed “all fixtures and fittings,” as well as upgrades perceived as beyond public funding’s scope.
Although lavish features such as a bespoke kitchen and designer decorations were added, there was much speculation regarding the interiors, including discussions about the presence of a yoga room, which turned out to be unfounded. The renovations involved both aesthetic and practical components, resulting in a luxurious living space suited for their family, which later grew to include their daughter, Lilibet, born in June 2021.
After stepping back from royal life, the couple permanently relocated to Montecito, California, but maintained Frogmore as a UK base, staying there during high-profile visits like Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 and again during the late Queen’s funeral events in September of the same year. Their time at Frogmore attracted media attention, most notably during the release of their Netflix docuseries, “Harry & Meghan,” which was made available in December 2022.
Nonetheless, in March 2023, reports surfaced confirming that Prince Harry and Meghan were asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage, shortly after the publication of Harry’s memoir “Spare,” which had made headlines for its candid content. By June 2023, they had officially left the residence, with insiders commenting that they remained “matter-of-fact” about the transition.
As the royal family contemplates the future of Frogmore Cottage, the potential reversal of its renovations marks not only a significant change in the property’s use but also a broader shift in how the history of this once royal residence will be remembered and experienced by the public.