Frogmore Cottage
Frogmore Cottage is a historic residence located on the Frogmore estate within the Home Park of Windsor Castle, England, originally constructed in 1801 at the direction of Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III, as a modest retreat known initially as Double Cottage for her unmarried daughters.[1] Over subsequent centuries, it functioned primarily as grace-and-favour accommodation for royal associates and, following World War II, as housing for estate staff.[2] In 2019, the property underwent a comprehensive refurbishment transforming the former five-unit staff quarters into a modern five-bedroom family home, at a cost of £2.4 million drawn from the Sovereign Grant to serve as the principal UK residence for Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their son Archie, following their marriage.[3] The extensive works, which included structural reinforcements, new wiring, plumbing, and bespoke interiors emphasizing sustainability such as energy-efficient lighting and recycled materials, sparked debate over the expenditure of public funds on royal accommodations amid broader fiscal scrutiny of the monarchy's costs.[3] The Sussexes repaid the full renovation amount upon their decision to step back from senior royal duties and relocate primarily to North America in early 2020, after which Frogmore Cottage remained their nominal UK base until King Charles III requested its vacation in 2023 following the publication of Prince Harry's memoir Spare.[3] As of 2025, the cottage stands vacant, maintained as Crown Estate property with occasional speculation regarding potential reassignment within the royal family.[4]
Location and Physical Description
Site Within the Royal Estate
Frogmore Cottage is located within the Frogmore Estate, an area of private gardens forming part of the Home Park of Windsor Castle in Berkshire, England. The Home Park consists of enclosed grounds directly adjoining the castle, utilized exclusively by the royal family for recreational and residential purposes.[5] The estate lies approximately half a mile south of Windsor Castle, offering seclusion amid mature trees, lakes, and formal gardens.[1] The Frogmore Estate covers 33 acres of landscaped grounds, where Frogmore Cottage stands adjacent to Frogmore House, a Grade I listed royal residence.[6] This positioning integrates the cottage into the broader royal landscape, shielded from public view and accessible only via private paths within the Home Park.[7] As part of the Crown Estate, the site underscores its status as sovereign property, maintained for royal use without public admission.[8]Architectural History and Features
Frogmore Cottage was built in 1801 at the direction of Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III, as a modest retreat house within the gardens of the Frogmore Estate near Frogmore House.[1][9] Originally designated as Double Garden Cottage, its construction cost approximately £450 and catered primarily to the use of Queen Charlotte's daughters.[9][10] The structure reflects late Georgian influences, transitioning into Regency-era simplicity, with no specific architect documented in historical records.[11] Architecturally, the cottage comprises a two-storey stucco-faced edifice with a parapet roofline, a central projecting breakfront incorporating a porch, and glazing bar sash windows characteristic of early 19th-century design.[12] Its plain aesthetic emphasizes functional restraint, featuring a white-painted exterior and a prominent red brick chimney stack akin to that of the adjacent Frogmore House.[10] Over time, the building underwent adaptations for various occupants, including periods as staff accommodation, but retained its core early 19th-century form.[13] Designated a Grade II listed building on 2 October 1975 for its special architectural and historic interest, Frogmore Cottage exemplifies understated royal estate architecture within the Crown Estate holdings.[12] The listing underscores its integrity as a surviving example of period cottage vernacular, preserved amid the broader Frogmore landscape developed since the late 17th century.[12][5]