Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly house-hunting in the UK, signaling a potential return to Britain following their eviction from Frogmore Cottage. This move comes after King Charles III requested that the couple vacate their Windsor residence, a decision reportedly influenced by the release of Harry’s memoir, “Spare.”
Frogmore Cottage, a historic home on the Frogmore Estate, was gifted to Harry and Meghan by the late Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding present in 2018. The couple invested £2.4 million of taxpayer money into extensive renovations to make the house livable, a cost they later repaid in full. Despite relocating to California in 2020, the Sussexes retained Frogmore Cottage as their UK base, utilizing it during visits such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
The couple’s departure from the cottage has been linked to the fallout from Harry’s candid memoir, which revealed intimate details about his strained relationships with family members, particularly his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William. The memoir’s publication reportedly accelerated the decision to reassign Frogmore Cottage to Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who himself faces a downgrade from his current residence at the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.
Harry and Meghan’s search for a new UK residence suggests they are not ready to sever ties with Britain entirely. This decision also hints at their desire to maintain a presence in the country, despite the ongoing tensions with the royal family. The couple’s spokesperson confirmed their eviction, stating, “We can confirm the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThis news has sparked a mix of reactions. Some royal commentators view it as a natural progression given Harry and Meghan’s new life in the US, while others see it as a harsh move that could further strain familial relations. Royal biographer Angela Levin remarked, “This surely spells the end of Harry and Meghan’s time in the UK,” underscoring the perceived finality of the eviction.
In the wake of their departure from Frogmore Cottage, reports suggest that King Charles might offer the Sussexes an apartment in Buckingham Palace. This gesture, if true, could be seen as an olive branch amidst the ongoing family discord. A source close to the royal family noted, “His Majesty is furious with Harry, as is William. But the King is not a bad man. He has no wish to see the Sussexes without a base in the UK.”
Harry’s recent visits to the UK have been brief and tied to legal matters, including his lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers over alleged phone hacking. His last appearance in the UK was to give evidence in this case, shortly after attending his father’s coronation in May 2023. Despite the personal and legal challenges, Harry’s commitment to maintaining some form of connection to the UK remains evident.
The couple’s future plans in the UK are still unfolding. While the prospect of moving into Buckingham Palace is speculative, it underscores the complex and evolving nature of their relationship with the royal family. Additionally, their continued involvement in legal battles and their ongoing philanthropic efforts through the Archewell Foundation highlight their enduring influence and commitment to causes close to their hearts.
The Sussexes’ journey since stepping down from their royal duties in 2020 has been marked by significant challenges and transformations. Their move to California, pursuit of financial independence, and media ventures, including their deal with Netflix, have kept them in the global spotlight. Yet, their ties to the UK, symbolized by properties like Frogmore Cottage, remain a poignant reminder of their deep roots in the country.
As Harry and Meghan navigate this next chapter, the world’s eyes will be on how they balance their roles as global influencers with their familial connections. Their story continues to captivate audiences, blending elements of royal tradition with modernity and personal autonomy. Whether they establish a new UK residence or find other ways to maintain their ties to Britain, their journey is far from over, promising more developments in the royal saga.
In summary, the Sussexes’ house-hunting efforts in the UK after their eviction from Frogmore Cottage signal a potential return and a continuation of their complex relationship with the British royal family. The developments around their UK residence are a testament to the ongoing evolution of their roles and their enduring connection to their homeland.
