Frogmore Cottage is being prepped and polished ahead of Prince Andrew’s expected arrival, according to reports
Workmen have been seen at Frogmore Cottage “day and night”, sprucing it up ahead of Prince Andrew’s expected move, according to reports.
It comes as Andrew, who gave up his royal titles earlier this month over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has faced growing calls to leave the Royal Lodge. Two other Windsor Castle properties – Adelaide Cottage and Frogmore Cottage – were reportedly suggested to Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson several months ago as potential homes.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – who moved into Frogmore Cottage in 2019 – spent £2.4million on renovations of the Grade-II listed property at the time. The Sussexes were asked to vacate the cottage in 2023.
The Sun reports that Andrew has agreed to leave Royal Lodge but wants to move into Frogmore Cottage, while Sarah is said to be keen on Adelaide Cottage. Staying in Windsor would allow Andrew to remain close to his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and their children.
An insider told the newspaper: “People have been inside Frogmore Cottage working day and night. Over the weekend the lights were on after dark. And workmen have been coming and going for weeks. It shouldn’t need a lot of work done as Harry and Meghan spent £2.4million on repairs just six years ago and no one has lived there since, apart from the few months Princess Eugenie was there during lockdown.”
Frogmore Cottage, owned by the Crown Estate, was built in 1972 by Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, as a retreat for herself and her daughters.
Since World War Two, the cottage has mostly been used to house royal household staff, before the Sussexes moved in. Andrew’s daughter Eugenie also briefly lived at the cottage. The home was reportedly offered to Prince Andrew by the King last year, but he declined.
Buckingham Palace has not commented on whether Prince Andrew will move out of his home or where he might go.
