It's thought that Harry and Meghan are keeping Frogmore Cottage as they 'renew their lease'

Rumours are that they plan to spend more time in Windsor.

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Amy Sedghi
By Amy Sedghi
published

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have renewed their lease on Frogmore Cottage, signing a 12-month rolling contract according to The Sun.

Frogmore Cottage, a Grade II listed house close to Windsor Castle is said to have five bedrooms as well as a nursery and yoga studio. It's also where the royal couple, who moved to California in 2020, are staying while they visit the UK for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Although the Sussexes have since made Montecito in California their home after stepping down as working royals in 2019, the pair have held the lease for the Windsor home, with speculation that they were waiting for it to expire.

During the time that Harry and Meghan have been living in California, Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank and their baby son August Philip Hawke Brooksbank, have made use of the home, although they are now reported to be living in Portugal.

The Sun's insider source is quoted as saying: 'By agreeing to extend the lease, and with Jack and Eugenie focusing on Portugal, they have a firm presence smack bang in the middle of the Windsor court where it’s all happening. They can now come and go any time they please.'

The 18th century house was reportedly a gift from the Queen to Harry and Meghan after they tied the knot in 2018. The couple moved into the residence in April 2019, shortly before the birth of their son, Archie.

Frogmore Cottage was the subject of major renovations, estimated to have cost £2.4 million and covered by taxpayers through the Sovereign Grant. Following criticism of the cost, the Sussexes repaid the renovation costs by making a contribution to the grant, according to the BBC.

Harry and Meghan will be visiting the UK with three-year-old Archie and Lilibet, who will be turning one this coming weekend. It marks the the first time the pair have returned to the UK with their children since stepping down as working royals.

As well as celebrating her first birthday in her parents' first marital home, little Lilibet will also finally meet her namesake and great-grandmother in person this weekend.

It's all happening in Windsor.

Amy Sedghi
Amy Sedghi

Amy Sedghi is a freelance journalist, specialising in health and fitness, travel, beauty, sustainability and cycling.

Having started her career in The Guardian newsroom working with an award-winning team, Amy's proud to have reported on a variety of topics, speaking to a range of voices and travelling far and wide to do so. From interviews on ski lifts to writing up breaking stories outside courtrooms, Amy is used to reporting from a range of locations (she’s even been known to type up a story in a tent).

She also loves being active, spending time outdoors and travelling - with some of her favourite features she’s worked on combining all three. Cycling and eating her way round the Isle of Man, learning to sail on the Côte d'Azur and traversing the Caminito del Rey path in Spain are just some of her highlights.

Covering a diverse range of subjects appeals to Amy. One minute she may be writing about her online styling session with Katie Holmes’ stylist and the next she’s transporting readers to the basketball courts of Haringey where she joined a group trying to lower knife crime in the capital.

While at university, Amy was awarded The Media Society bursary. Following her stint at the Guardian, Amy worked at Google and as well as writing for Marie Claire, she regularly contributes interviews, features and articles to National Geographic Traveller, The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph, Stylist, Refinery29, Glorious Sport, Cycling Weekly and Rouleur.

When she’s not writing, Amy can be found trying to get through her towering stack of books-to-read, cycling down at Herne Hill Velodrome or looking for the next place to eat and drink with friends.

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