Inside Nottingham Cottage: Harry & Meghan's First Home

05 May, 2025

Could a seemingly modest cottage within the walls of Kensington Palace hold the key to understanding the evolution of modern royalty? Nottingham Cottage, a residence that has housed both the triumphs and tribulations of the British Royal Family, offers a fascinating glimpse into their lives beyond the gilded gates.

The very name, "Nottingham Cottage," whispers of history, derived from Nottingham House, once the dwelling of the Earl of Nottingham. Nestled within the grounds of Kensington Palace, it has witnessed the comings and goings of generations. Prince Harry first made it his home in 2013, a private sanctuary before the world stage truly beckoned. Then, in 2017, after the announcement of their engagement, Meghan Markle joined him, transforming the cottage into a shared haven. Images from the Netflix series, 'Harry & Meghan,' offer a rare peek inside, showcasing the surprisingly modest nature of the space, with cozy rooms and low ceilings. As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on their journey together, the cottage played a crucial role, their shared residence before the move to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor in early 2019.

The cottage wasnt just a residence for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex; it was also the first London home of the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, during their initial years of marriage. After Prince George was born, they moved into Apartment 1A within Kensington Palace. The cottage's presence in the lives of the royals highlights its pivotal role in royal life.

Aspect	Details
Name	Nottingham Cottage (Nott Cott)
Location	Kensington Palace Estate, London, UK
Historical Significance	Home to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle; William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Residence of Queen Elizabeths nanny, Marion Crawford.
Design	Designed by Sir Christopher Wren (possibly incorrect, needs verification as it's not mentioned in any reliable source.)
Current Status	Reportedly occupied by Princess Eugenie and her family, though this information is subject to change.
Notable Residents	Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Eugenie, Jack Brooksbank
Style	Appears to have a modest and cozy style, potentially with Tudor-inspired elements.
Significance	Represents a more intimate and relatable side of royal life, away from grand estates. Serves as a historical marker of evolving royal family dynamics.
Known for	Appearance in Netflix series 'Harry & Meghan' providing a glimpse into the couple's early married life.
Decor	Could feature a blend of British heritage and American sensibilities, as suggested in the context.
Size and Nature	Modest and cozy, relatively small compared to other royal residences
Recent Residents	Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, as per reports

For more information, you can check for images and the history of Kensington Palace on websites dedicated to royal history and architecture. Also, see the information on English Heritage Website

The cottages understated design, with its "cosy rooms, and low ceilings," as highlighted in the Netflix docuseries, offers a refreshing counterpoint to the opulence typically associated with royal residences. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, in their own words, described the reality of living there as something less than a palace. Despite its somewhat modest proportions, the home served its purpose and became the base from which they started their married lives and prepared for their roles as parents.

The significance of Nottingham Cottage extends beyond its physical attributes. It provided a vital space for Prince Harry before he met Meghan. It acted as a place to retreat and find peace. For Prince William and Catherine, it provided a familiar space, even when stationed in Wales for his RAF duties. It's also been the temporary abode of other members of the Royal Family, including Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, demonstrating its adaptability and continued use within the royal sphere.

The cottage's unassuming exterior, combined with the modern touches Meghan might have incorporated, creates an intriguing juxtaposition. The interior, which would ideally reflect Harrys British background and Meghan's American sensibilities, could be adorned with pieces of decor such as an umbrella rack, a Provence ottoman, and heavy floral curtains, showcasing how the couple brought their personalities to their residence.

The choice of interior design elements likely reflected the preferences of the residents, whether it was Harry alone, the newly married couple, or even the family of Princess Eugenie. Many areas of the Nottingham Cottage home were likely to echo the past with Tudor styling, as noted in the available information. A place where the royal family members could relax, away from the gaze of the public, to be with their families.

It's also a place thats been connected to major life events within the Royal Family. The move to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, which took place in early 2019 and preceded the birth of Archie, marks a significant chapter. The move away from the confines of Kensington Palace and towards a more private and family-oriented life reflects the changing priorities of the couple and their evolving role within the monarchy.

The cottage's connection to Queen Elizabeth's former nanny, Marion Crawford, further enriches its history, as it was once her residence. The place has been more than just a place of residence. For those who live there, it has evolved into a place where they can settle in and spend time with family.

The house also offers a historical marker of evolving royal family dynamics. The home, from the cozy rooms, and low ceilings. The home provided a sense of normalcy that enabled them to remain true to themselves and their families. Nottingham Cottage's story is one of transformation, resilience, and the continuous effort to define a balance between royal duties and personal happiness.

The presence of the cottage within the broader narrative of Kensington Palace reveals its significance in royal life. It's more than just a building; it embodies the private moments, the shared experiences, and the evolving needs of those who have called it home, whether for a brief moment or a longer period. The significance of Nottingham Cottage in the modern era is not only tied to its physical presence. It also ties to its more discreet and adaptable location within the Kensington Palace estate.

The media coverage and the public interest are a testament to the cottages allure. From photographs and videos to news articles, people's interest reflects the desire to understand the realities of royal life, even in its most private settings. The cottage continues to be a topic of discussion, and that's because the house can provide some clues on the lives and residences of various Royal Family members.

Nottingham cottage hi res stock photography and images Alamy

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Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's modest two bedroomed Nottingham Cottage love nest

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Inside Nottingham Cottage A Peek Into Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's First Home

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