The Queen has reportedly rejected Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s request to live in Anmer Hall, the country estate of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
The couple, who recently moved to their luxurious Montecito Mansion in the United States after stepping down from their roles as senior working royals, had initially set their sights on a different property altogether.
However, Harry’s late grandmother firmly denied their request and instead gifted them Frogmore Cottage.
According to reports, the Sussexes had expressed their desire to live in Windsor Castle itself and had asked if living quarters could be made available to them.
At the time, only the late Queen and Prince Philip had private apartments within the castle, while everyone else resided elsewhere on the estate.
In response, the monarch politely but firmly suggested that they reside in nearby Frogmore Cottage.
Royal author and historian Hugo Vickers commented on the matter, stating, “I can see how it might not be entirely appropriate to have a young family living there.”
It seems that the Queen had concerns about the suitability of Windsor Castle for a couple with a young child.
Before being gifted Frogmore Cottage, rumors circulated that Meghan had her eye on Anmer Hall, the Wales’ country estate.
According to sources, Prince Harry omitted the part where he and Meghan stayed at William and Catherine’s home during Christmas to avoid certain responsibilities.
Instead, William and Catherine extended an invitation for the couple to stay at Anmer Hall, which Meghan found far more impressive than their previous residence, Nottingham Cottage.
Nottingham Cottage, located at Kensington Palace, is the smallest property and was gifted to Meghan by the late Queen Elizabeth.
In the Netflix series, the couple took a swipe at their former home, describing it as small with low ceilings.
They even claimed that American television personality Oprah Winfrey was stunned by its size.
However, Harry strategically disregarded this visit in his memoir, as it contradicted the victim narrative they were trying to convey.
It is worth noting that the Royal Family had made significant efforts to make Meghan feel welcome, a fact that she seemed to overlook until after their marriage.
Despite this, the Queen’s decision to gift them Frogmore Cottage shows her willingness to accommodate their needs while considering the appropriateness of living in Windsor Castle itself.
As Harry and Meghan embark on their new chapter in the United States, their former residence in the UK remains a topic of discussion.
The rejection of Anmer Hall and the subsequent gifting of Frogmore Cottage highlight the complexities and dynamics within the royal family.