Prince Harry heartbroken after his ‘forever home’ turned into ‘just another brief stop’

Prince Harry has openly expressed his disappointment over leaving Frogmore Cottage, a residence he and Meghan Markle initially cherished as their “forever home.” The cottage, situated within Windsor Castle, was a gift from Queen Elizabeth II shortly after the couple’s marriage in 2018. Despite receiving significant financial support for its renovation, Harry and Meghan’s time at Frogmore Cottage was brief. They announced their departure from the royal family by the end of 2019 and subsequently vacated the property in 2020.

In his memoir, “Spare,” Prince Harry reflects on a poignant moment at Frogmore Cottage when he was waiting for a meeting with King Charles and Prince William following Prince Philip’s funeral. Harry recalls feeling a deep sense of sadness as he came to terms with the realization that Frogmore Cottage, once envisioned as his permanent home, was destined to be just another temporary residence. He lamented in his memoir, “Once upon a time, this was going to be my forever home. Instead, it had proved to be just another brief stop.”

The situation took a further turn when it was revealed in March 2023 that King Charles had requested Harry and Meghan to vacate Frogmore Cottage. The decision was reportedly influenced by a desire to make the residence available for other royal family members, potentially Prince Andrew, who needed to relocate after his association with Jeffrey Epstein became a significant issue. At that time, a source indicated that the Sussexes’ lease had been terminated and that if they wished for a residence in the UK, they would need to purchase one privately.

The final departure from Frogmore Cottage occurred in June 2023, when Harry and Meghan formally returned the keys. Their belongings were shipped to their new home in Montecito, California. Courtier Sir Michael Stevens confirmed the move, stating that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had indeed vacated the property. This marked the official beginning of their residency in the United States.

Initially, Frogmore Cottage was briefly occupied by Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, in November 2020. However, they later moved to another residence, leaving Frogmore Cottage vacant until the Sussexes’ departure was finalized.

The entire episode has been marked by a mix of personal and public turmoil. Prince Harry’s memoir and public statements reveal his emotional struggle with the rapid changes in his life and the shifting nature of his family’s place within the royal framework. The transition away from Frogmore Cottage symbolizes a broader shift in Harry and Meghan’s journey as they navigate their new lives away from the British royal family, emphasizing the challenges and heartache associated with their departure from a once-promised home.