Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘had secret UK home worth £2.5m’ they ‘gave up’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle once leased a £2.5 million farmhouse in the Cotswolds, appreciating its privacy and capacity for hosting notable guests like George and Amal Clooney. They resided there while Frogmore Cottage was being renovated, planning to make Frogmore their permanent home. However, after stepping down as senior royals in 2020, they left Frogmore and the UK altogether. Harry later voiced his distress over their eviction from Frogmore, interpreting it as a spiteful action by his father, King Charles.

The Cotswolds property, set on the Great Tew Estate near Soho Farmhouse, was an ideal refuge for the couple. The estate’s location allowed them to maintain a low profile away from the media spotlight. Their departure from this property marked the beginning of significant transitions in their lives, ultimately leading to their relocation to the United States.

The move to Frogmore Cottage was initially a step towards settling down in the UK. The cottage, located in Windsor, was renovated to suit their needs, costing the British taxpayers £2.4 million. Despite the controversy surrounding the expenses, the couple repaid the amount in full after deciding to step back from their royal duties. The renovation included a nursery for their son Archie and other personal touches to make the space their own.

However, their stay at Frogmore Cottage was short-lived. The pressures of royal life and constant media scrutiny played a significant role in their decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to North America. Their move was also driven by a desire to raise their children, Archie and Lilibet, in a more private and relaxed environment.

In 2020, Harry and Meghan officially stepped down as senior members of the royal family, a move often referred to as “Megxit.” They initially moved to Canada before settling in Montecito, California. Their departure from royal duties was accompanied by various challenges, including security concerns and financial independence. Despite these challenges, they have managed to establish a new life, engaging in various ventures such as their Archewell Foundation, media production deals with Netflix and Spotify, and other philanthropic activities.

Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” sheds light on his perspective regarding the royal family’s actions, including the eviction from Frogmore Cottage. He describes the move as a harsh and unwarranted decision, highlighting the ongoing tensions between him and the rest of the royal family. This book provides deeper insights into Harry’s feelings about his family’s treatment of him and Meghan.

The couple’s departure from the UK and subsequent establishment in the US marked a significant chapter in their lives, characterized by efforts to redefine their roles and maintain their privacy. Despite stepping away from royal duties, they continue to be prominent figures, using their platform to advocate for various causes and engage in public discourse on issues such as mental health, equality, and social justice.

Their journey from the Cotswolds to California illustrates their pursuit of a balanced life, free from the intense scrutiny they faced as senior royals. It also reflects their commitment to creating a stable and supportive environment for their children. As they continue to navigate their post-royal life, Harry and Meghan remain influential figures, leveraging their experiences and platform to impact the world positively.