5 Things We Know About Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's New Home in the 'Burbs
The royal couple has decided to ditch Kensington Palace in favor of greener pastures.
This weekend, word hit that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — that’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to you and me — would be hightailing it to Windsor, England to take up residence at a lesser-known royal pile, Frogmore Cottage (which is located next to the Frogmore house, pictured below). The news came as a bit of a shock to royal watchers, who expected the couple to move into a palatial flat in Kensington Palace as they prepare for the arrival of their first child, said to be due in April.
Why the sudden change of plans? Some speculate the couple is seeking greater privacy and that Windsor, 25 miles outside of London, would surely provide that. Others opine that perhaps setting up house literally right next door to Prince William and Kate in Kensington Palace could be too close for comfort, and that the Fab Four need a bit of space. (We love our in-laws, but would not want to be neighbors with them, so we totally get this.) The official story however, according to the Palace, is that Windsor holds sentimental value to Harry and Meghan. It was the site of their wedding, after all!
Let’s learn a bit more about the couple’s new home.
1. It’s Private and Peaceful
Frogmore Cottage lies within the 35-acre Windsor Castle Home Park, a secure and completely private royal estate belonging to the Queen. Far from prying eyes, the cottage grounds will provide lots of space for the growing family. The estate is said to have served as an oasis for royals dating as far back as Queen Elizabeth 1.
2. It’s Got Great Views and Good Vibes
The cottage looks out over the stately grounds of Frogmore House, where Harry and Meghan hosted their wedding reception and shot their engagement photos. Kensington Palace described it as a “very special place” for the pair.
3. It’s a Bit of a Fixer-Upper
The so-called “cottage” has more than 20 rooms! But it is currently used to house royal staff and is divided into five separate apartments, so major renovations will have to be undertaken before Harry and Meghan can move in. Let’s just hope those new-mommy nesting instincts don’t kick in for Meghan before the renovation is complete.
4. Ol’ Gran Is Just up the Road
The cottage is a mere half-mile from Windsor Castle, where the Queen spends her summers and weekends. So when it comes time for tea with Gran, all the young family will have to do is toddle up the hill with their baby in the pram. That is pretty convenient.
5. It May Provide a Unique Lullaby for the New Babe
Frogmore House and Cottage are so named due to the immense number of frogs found on the property. So maybe the new royal will be provided with a unique lullaby at bedtime — that is, if the plane traffic from nearby Heathrow Airport doesn’t drown it out. Here's a mommy pro tip, Meghan: Invest in a sound machine!
