The Sussexes reimbursed taxpayers before giving up their former Windsor home
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle no longer have a permanent residence in the United Kingdom, but Frogmore Cottage once served as their family home. Their former house in Windsor has become a topic of discussion following the revived interest in royal housing arrangements and rental agreements. While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex initially paid a commercial rent to the Crown Estate, their financial responsibilities changed after they stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and made Montecito, California, their new home.
Renovation costs changed the rental agreement
After leaving the British monarchy in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were forced to pay the £2.4 million used to renovate Frogmore Cottage through the Sovereign Grant, effectively reimbursing taxpayers for the publicly funded work carried out on the residence. According to Hello! magazine, the improvements increased the value of the property and were later considered as “rent in lieu.” Frogmore Cottage remained the Sussexes’ United Kingdom base until 2023, when they officially returned the keys.
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The Sussexes no longer have a UK base
Frogmore Cottage was also the place of special memories for the couple. It was where they welcomed their son, Prince Archie, and spent his first months as parents. The residence even had a brief appearance in their Netflix documentary series “Harry & Meghan,” through intimate family moments. Today, Prince Harry and Meghan live in Montecito, California, with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Currently, whenever Prince Harry travels to his homecountry for events, he reportedly stays at private residences, luxury hotels, or locations such as Althorp House, the childhood home of his late mother, Princess Diana.
