After more than six years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle vacated their residence at Windsor estate, Frogmore Cottage is set to undergo further renovations. Initially transformed from multiple houses into a single property by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who paid £2.4 million for the makeover, the cottage is now reportedly reverting back to its original state as separate residences.
The extensive renovations for the Sussexes, which included adding a yoga studio, replacing beams and joists, rewiring, and updating utilities, took nearly a year to complete. The decision to undo these changes is seen as a move to erase the property’s association with Harry and Meghan and restore its pre-royal era identity.
While some speculate that this reversal signals the definitive break of Harry and Meghan from royal life, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond offers a different perspective. She suggests that the decision could be driven by commercial interests, with the Crown Estate aiming to maximize profitability by potentially altering Frogmore Cottage further.
Despite the speculation, Jennie believes that any sentimentality towards Frogmore Cottage is likely minimal for Harry and Meghan, especially after the controversy surrounding the reimbursement of renovation costs. As the couple has established their new life in California, any future visits to the UK may involve alternative accommodations rather than returning to Frogmore Cottage.