Harry and Meghan Bid Farewell to Frogmore Cottage Amidst Controversy

In a significant turn of events, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have officially vacated Frogmore Cottage, their former residence on King Charles's Windsor Estate.

Sir Michael Stevens, the Keeper of the Privy Purse, made the announcement, stating, “We can confirm that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have vacated Frogmore Cottage.” This marks a notable chapter in the couple's tumultuous relationship with the royal family.

The departure comes after Harry and Meghan were reportedly served an eviction notice, which followed the release of Harry's memoir, “Spare.”

The couple had to pack up their belongings and arrange for their shipment to their new home in Santa Barbara, California.

Their stay at Frogmore was brief; they spent only six months there before deciding to step back from royal duties and leave the UK altogether.

During their time in Frogmore Cottage, the Sussexes made substantial renovations, investing approximately £2.4 million to transform the property into a comfortable family home.

Notably, these upgrades included creating a four-bedroom nursery in anticipation of their son Archie's arrival.

However, despite their investment, they were unable to take everything with them.

Among the items left behind is a high-tech eco-boiler, which was part of their extensive renovations.

This planet-friendly equipment, estimated to be worth around £50,000, provided constant hot water and low-carbon heat.

Royal watchers may find it intriguing that such a modern amenity was part of the couple's efforts to create a sustainable living environment.

Frogmore Cottage gained public attention when glimpses of its interiors were revealed in Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary.

Viewers saw intimate moments, such as Meghan painting her nails in the kitchen and the couple sharing a kiss, marking a rare look inside a royal residence.

This peek into their life showcased the couple's desire for a more relatable image, contrasting sharply with traditional royal expectations.

The last time Harry and Meghan stayed at Frogmore together was during the summer of 2022 for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

They also celebrated their daughter Lilibet's first birthday while there, adding a sentimental layer to their final memories in the cottage.

As they officially leave Frogmore behind, it's essential to note that they have repaid the costs incurred by the Sovereign Grant for the renovations.

This repayment was necessary following their decision to step back from royal responsibilities, ensuring that taxpayers would not bear the financial burden of their home improvements.

Since relocating to Montecito in 2020, where their daughter Lilibet was born, Frogmore remained a UK base for the Sussex family.

However, the property was not left vacant.

In 2021, Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, moved in full-time, highlighting the ongoing connection of the royal family to this historic residence.

Despite the upheaval, sources indicate that Harry and Meghan are content with their decision to allow Princess Eugenie and Jack to utilize Frogmore Cottage.

This arrangement reflects the couple's willingness to share their former home as they navigate their new life across the Atlantic.

As the Duke and Duchess embark on this new chapter, the departure from Frogmore Cottage symbolizes both an end and a beginning.

Their journey continues to captivate public interest, with each development in their story sparking discussions about the evolving nature of royal life in modern times.

With their belongings now shipped to California, Harry and Meghan are poised to focus on their family and philanthropic endeavors, leaving behind a residence that once held dreams of royal domesticity.

The echoes of their time at Frogmore will linger, but the couple is ready to embrace what lies ahead.