Inside Frogmore Cottage: A Look At Harry & Meghan's Former Home

06 May, 2025

Could the walls of Frogmore Cottage whisper tales of royal secrets and modern-day drama? The historic residence, nestled within the Windsor Estate, has become a focal point of intrigue, a physical manifestation of the shifting dynamics within the British Royal Family, and a symbol of both past grandeur and present-day change.

In December 2022, the world was given a tantalizing glimpse inside Frogmore Cottage. The couple's Netflix docuseries, "Harry & Meghan," offered viewers a sneak peek, fueling speculation and piquing interest in the home's interior. Further glimpses have emerged, with Princess Eugenie sharing a glimpse of the home's interior on Fathers Day, showcasing neutral tones and bohemian accents. But the full story of Frogmore Cottage, its history, its inhabitants, and its future, is far more complex than what meets the eye.

Aspect	Details
Property Name	Frogmore Cottage
Location	Home Park, Windsor Castle Grounds, Windsor, Berkshire, England
Current Status	Vacant, undergoing changes in ownership
Original Construction	Built for Queen Charlotte in 1801
Key Residents (Past)	Duchess of Kent (Queen Victoria's Mother), Henry James Sr., Abdul Karim (Queen Victoria's Secretary)
Key Residents (Recent)	Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Duke and Duchess of Sussex)
Architectural Style	Grade II Listed Building, Victorian
Notable Features	Five Bedrooms, Kitchen, Living Room, Nursery (formerly for Archie), Renovations by Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Renovation Cost (Approx.)	Approximately $2.7 million (for Duke and Duchess of Sussex's remodeling)
Estate Context	Located on the Frogmore Estate, part of the broader Windsor Estate (nearly 16,000 acres)
Proximity	Near Frogmore House, Frogmore Mausoleums, Royal Burial Ground
Current Market Value (Estimated)	Potentially 30 million (if available to the open market)
Reference Website	The Royal Family Official Website

The tale of Frogmore Cottage begins in 1801, commissioned by Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III. It served as a retreat, a place of respite for the queen and her unmarried daughters. Over the years, the cottage has witnessed the comings and goings of various members of the royal family, each leaving their mark on its history. Notable past residents include the Duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria's mother, who called Frogmore home for nearly twenty years. The theologian Henry James Sr. and his family also resided there in the 1840s, adding another layer to the building's rich tapestry of associations. Later, in 1897, Abdul Karim, Queen Victoria's personal secretary, moved in with his family, further solidifying the cottage's position within the royal orbit.

Fast forward to modern times, and Frogmore Cottage entered a new chapter when it was gifted to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2018. They embarked on extensive renovations, transforming the property into a family home. The couple reportedly spent approximately $2.7 million on remodeling, enlarging conservatories and reconfiguring the five spaces. The aim was to create a comfortable and private residence for themselves and their children, Archie and Lilibet. Interior designer Benji Lewis noted that the kitchen was designed to create a "cosy" and "homely" feel.

The cottage's location within the Windsor Estate, approximately 25 miles west of London, offered the Duke and Duchess of Sussex the privacy and seclusion they sought. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Frogmore Cottage also provided a refuge from the relentless public scrutiny that often accompanies royal life, a safe haven away from the bustling city. While the interior remains somewhat a mystery, it is widely reported that the cottage features five bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and a nursery, initially designed for Archie. Further details, such as the modern windows, fresh white exterior, and darker roof, have been gleaned from the first glimpses into the home's renovations.

The surrounding Windsor Estate adds further context to Frogmore Cottage's significance. The expansive grounds include not only Windsor Castle, a historic landmark, but also Frogmore House, where the couple held their evening wedding reception on May 19, and the Royal Lodge, the residence of Prince Andrew. On the other side of the estate lie the Frogmore Mausoleums and the Royal Burial Ground, the final resting places of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and other members of the royal family, further linking Frogmore Cottage to the broader narrative of royal history.

The most recent chapter of Frogmore Cottage's story is marked by transition. Following the couple's decision to step back from their roles as senior royals, the cottage has undergone significant changes. The property is no longer the permanent residence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who now reside in the United States with their children. Under the reign of King Charles III, the cottage will welcome a new owner. The couples departure from Frogmore Cottage is symbolic of the changing times and the evolving relationship between the Royal Family and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It reflects the shifting dynamics within the royal household and underscores the importance of privacy, security, and the constant negotiation between public duties and personal lives.

The future of Frogmore Cottage is uncertain. While its walls may no longer echo with the laughter of Archie and Lilibet, the house's place in royal history is assured. Its story, intertwined with those of the many royals who have lived there, will continue to intrigue and inspire. As time moves forward, the estates value would be significant, if the property were to become available on the open market, which would include the main property with the royal chapel, a gardeners cottage, and several lodge cottages.

Frogmore Cottage stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the British monarchy. Its history is a complex mix of royal residence, retreat, and now a symbol of change. From its origins as a retreat for Queen Charlotte and her daughters to its present status, the cottage has served many purposes and is a significant place in the annals of the British Royal Family. As it prepares to welcome new residents, Frogmore Cottage remains a physical embodiment of the constantly changing nature of the royal narrative.

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