Frogmore Cottage: A Royal Residence & Its History Explained
What secrets does the seemingly unassuming Frogmore Cottage hold within its walls? Nestled within the Windsor estate, this historic residence has been witness to centuries of royal life, evolving from a retreat for Queen Charlotte's daughters to a focal point in the modern narrative of the British monarchy.
On April 10, 2021, in Windsor, United Kingdom, the exterior of Frogmore Cottage stood as a poignant backdrop as floral tributes were laid nearby, commemorating the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the age of 99. The cottage itself is situated on the Frogmore estate, a part of Home Park, which shares grounds with Windsor Castle.
The estates of Great and Little Frogmore, upon which the cottage stands, were originally acquired by Henry VIII in the sixteenth century and subsequently leased to various tenants. The building of Frogmore Cottage was commissioned by Queen Charlotte in 1801, intended as a residence for her unmarried daughters. This initial purpose set the tone for its future, a place of relative privacy and familial connection within the larger royal landscape.
In recent years, Frogmore Cottage has become particularly well-known due to its association with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Following their marriage in 2018, the couple chose Frogmore Cottage as their official residence, drawing significant attention to the property. Prior to this, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had reportedly resided in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.
A royal official's briefing to reporters about royal finances provided an update, including details on the 86.3 million allocated to the royal household in the financial year, emphasizing the operational scope and expense of maintaining royal properties like Frogmore Cottage.
While it may be labeled a "cottage," the property is far from quaint. It features 33 acres of private, lush greenery, including serene lakes and sprawling fields, a detail particularly cherished by the Sussexes. Princess Eugenie, Prince Harry's cousin, offered glimpses into the royal residence through Instagram posts and videos since moving there in November 2020.
Frogmore Cottage has a rich history and continues to evolve with the times. The building is a Grade II listed home on the Frogmore estate, part of Home Park, Windsor, which was was built in 1801 at the direction of queen charlotte in the gardens near frogmore house.
Following the departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the property has had its share of tenants. The Autumn of 2020 saw Prince Harry's cousin Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, move into Frogmore Cottage. The couple, who welcomed their first child in early 2021, resided there, with the details of their tenancy managed discreetly.
Extensive renovations were carried out under the purview of Meghan and Harry, transforming it into a modern family home while preserving its historic core. With its blend of history, beauty, and association with prominent figures, Frogmore Cottage continues to be a captivating subject in the ongoing narrative of the British royal family.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Frogmore Cottage |
| Location | Frogmore Estate, Home Park, Windsor, Berkshire, England |
| Construction | Built in 1801 by order of Queen Charlotte |
| Original Purpose | Residence for Queen Charlotte's unmarried daughters |
| Notable Residents | Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank |
| Features | 33 acres of private gardens, lakes, sprawling fields |
| Status | Grade II listed building |
| Ownership | Crown Estate |
| History | Part of the Frogmore Estate, which was acquired by Henry VIII in the 16th century |
| Renovations | Extensive renovations undertaken by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle |
| Current Use | Residential |
For further information, please see: The Royal Family Official Website
Located within the Home Park of Windsor Castle, and bordering the historic Windsor Castle, Frogmore Cottage enjoys a strategic location within the royal landscape. The cottage's position within the Frogmore Estate means it shares an historical pedigree with Frogmore House, a royal retreat. The two structures contribute to the unique character of the Home Park in which they sit.
The news that Harry and Meghan would make Frogmore Cottage their home was initially made public in November 2018. The Sovereign Grant report, a key document in understanding the financing of the royal household, provides insights into the ongoing maintenance and management of properties like Frogmore Cottage. This includes an allocated budget for maintaining its structural integrity and surroundings. The significant expense of the renovations, which was initially funded by the Sovereign Grant, reflected the desire to adapt the home to the requirements of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The interior of Frogmore Cottage, as detailed through insights from Princess Eugenie, reflects a comfortable yet refined aesthetic, a blend of old and new. The surrounding gardens, managed by the Crown Estate, offer a sense of tranquility and seclusion, contributing to the cottages appeal as a private residence. This offers a sense of refuge, yet it is very near the Windsor Castle itself.
With its blend of history, location, and contemporary relevance, Frogmore Cottage remains a subject of keen interest. Its story is intricately interwoven with the broader narrative of the royal family, symbolizing continuity, adaptation, and the ever-evolving nature of royal life. The future occupants and the decisions made about this special property are certain to sustain the curiosity and interest around it.
The cottage, with its 33 acres of private gardens, offers a sense of privacy, a valuable asset for the Sussexes. These grounds, with their serene lakes and expansive fields, create a peaceful environment. Its gardens back onto home park, with its over 655 acres of gardens. This is very dear to the Sussexes. The significance of Frogmore Cottage goes beyond its function as a residence; it is an emblem of a new chapter within the royal family.
The property continues to be part of the Home Park at the Windsor Castle grounds. The cottage's location offers both privacy and proximity to significant historical landmarks, including Windsor Castle. The renovations undertaken by Harry and Meghan aimed to create a modern, comfortable living space while retaining the building's historic character. The building is under the crown's ownership, thus must be preserved regardless of its residents. The cottage had to be renovated.
The extensive renovations included a focus on environmental sustainability, with the installation of eco-friendly features. The renovation, which occurred when the Sussexes lived there, was a significant project, altering the structure to be the perfect family home. The surrounding areas are also very private with lakes and fields.
Frogmore Cottage's story is a complex one, marked by royal history, personal choices, and evolving roles within the monarchy. The tale is ongoing, and Frogmore Cottage continues to be a fascinating window into the lives of the royal family. The cottage is a place of historical significance in the history of England.
The journey of Frogmore Cottage through the reigns of monarchs and the lives of those who've called it home shows its significance, its value, and its importance within the heart of the British monarchy. As a Grade II listed home, Frogmore Cottage is an important part of Windsor's history.
