King Charles under pressure: what happens to Frogmore Cottage?

King Charles under pressure: what happens to Frogmore Cottage?

Frogmore Cottage, the luxurious property in Windsor, has been vacant since 2023 and is attracting attention in the British media. King Charles III is facing increasing pressure to find a solution for the unused house that was once home to Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan. The four-bedroom cottage with children's rooms was a wedding gift from Queen Elizabeth II and was moved into by the couple in 2019 while they were expecting their first child, Prince Archie. But they moved out in 2020 after redefining their roles within the royal family.

After Harry and Meghan left Frogmore Cottage, Princess Eugenie took over the property. However, she left the cottage with her husband Jack Brooksbank in 2023 to live in Portugal. This now makes the question of the future of the estate all the more urgent for King Charles. Property expert Robin Edwards suggests renting out the cottage to high-profile buyers could generate monthly income of over €35,000 and annual income of just under £475,000. However, ongoing maintenance costs must also be taken into account.

King Charles and the Frogmore Cottage Decision

Charles is faced with the challenge of finding a suitable solution for Frogmore Cottage. The decision is seen as one of the most pressing in his second year in office. Particularly interesting is the support of Princess Anne, who has spoken out in favor of reclaiming the property. This has left Harry without a permanent home in the UK.

The controversy surrounding Frogmore Cottage even reached the point where it was revealed that public funds were being used for renovations during Harry and Meghan's time at the cottage. However, the couple had repaid these costs, wanting to keep the cottage as their primary British residence, important for their personal safety and police protection. However, according to reports in March 2023, the Sussexes were ordered to vacate the property, which came two months after the publication of Harry's memoir "Spare" and six months after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The future of the property

In June 2023, a palace spokesperson clarified that Harry and Meghan covered the cost of the renovation, which increased the value of the property. Despite the investment made, Frogmore Cottage remains vacant and there is currently no decision on who will use the property in the future, further increasing the uncertainty over the future of the historic property. King Charles must now consider whether a rental or another solution represents the best prospect for Frogmore Cottage, while the situation remains a hot topic in the tabloid press.

For further insights into developments surrounding Frogmore Cottage and the Royal Family, offers Mercury extensive reporting while Newsweek additionally provides background information on the history of the property.