**Harry and Meghan’s Royal Residences: From Windsor Castle Dreams to Frogmore Cottage Realities**

Prince Harry found himself in an awkward situation when Meghan Markle stepped into their new home, expressing a mix of excitement and embarrassment.

The couple's Montecito mansion in the United States stands in stark contrast to their former residence in the UK, particularly after their decision to step back from their roles as senior working royals.

Upon leaving behind their historic Frogmore Cottage, a property gifted to them by the late queen, Harry and Meghan embarked on a new chapter across the Atlantic.

However, the keys to their former abode were only recently returned to the royal family after their official eviction earlier this year.

Reports suggest that initially, the Sussexes had their sights set on a different property altogether.

They allegedly desired to reside within Windsor Castle itself, seeking living quarters following their marriage.

Despite their request, the late queen firmly directed them towards the nearby Frogmore Cottage, where they eventually settled.

Royal author and historian Hugo Vickers revealed that there were vacant bedrooms and suites in the private apartments at the castle, which the Sussexes might have been entitled to.

However, it was deemed more appropriate for them to reside at Frogmore, given the dynamics of having a young family within the castle grounds.

Before being granted Frogmore Cottage, rumors circulated that Meghan had her eye on the Wells as a countryside estate.

In his book, Prince Harry reportedly omitted details about their stay at William and Catherine's home during Christmas, possibly to avoid certain responsibilities associated with the royal family.

Although Meghan was invited to spend Christmas at Sandringham with the queen, William and Catherine extended an invitation for the couple to stay at Amber Hall, providing a balance between participating in festivities and having their own space.

Despite this arrangement, Meghan reportedly favored a change of residence post-marriage, expressing a preference for a grander abode.

Nottingham Cottage, the smallest property at Kensington Palace, was gifted to Meghan by the late Queen Elizabeth.

However, the couple subtly criticized the home in a Netflix series, highlighting its small size and low ceilings.

They even mentioned Oprah Winfrey's astonishment at the modesty of their living quarters, emphasizing the discrepancy between perception and reality.

In his memoir, Harry strategically omitted details of their visits to Nottingham Cottage, aligning with a narrative that portrayed them as victims of mistreatment.

Yet, the royal family had made considerable efforts to welcome Meghan, a fact that seemed overlooked until she became a part of the family through marriage.

The journey from grand aspirations of Windsor Castle to the reality of Frogmore Cottage reflects the complexities of Harry and Meghan's transition away from royal life.

Their shifting preferences and perceptions of royal residences offer a glimpse into the intricacies of balancing tradition and personal desires within the royal family dynamic.