Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lost a staggering £2.4 million when they departed the UK in 2020 to start a new life in America.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had invested heavily in renovations to Frogmore Cottage, their UK residence, before making the decision to step back from royal duties.
The couple were required to repay the full renovation costs to the Crown Estate after their departure, despite never actually owning the property.
The substantial sum effectively vanished when they relocated to California with their son Archie.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘never actually owned’ their home despite paying £2.4million
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The renovations to Frogmore Cottage were initially funded by the Crown Estate, as is customary for royal residences.
However, when the couple announced their decision to step back from royal duties, they committed to repaying the full amount.
The extensive renovations included both superficial interior changes and practical improvements.
According to reports from The Sun, the couple installed an eco-friendly boiler system that provided unlimited hot water and low-carbon heating.
Frogmore Cottage is located near Windsor CastlePA
Despite this significant investment, the couple would ultimately walk away from these improvements when they relocated to America.
Property expert Terry Fisher from We Buy Any Home explained why the couple’s investment was ultimately futile.
“Frogmore Cottage was never actually owned by Harry and Meghan. It was gifted to them for use by the late Queen, but they didn’t have legal ownership,” he told Hello!.
Fisher added: “Even if someone makes improvements or invests in a royal property, that doesn’t give them a lasting stake in it. It’s more like an extended loan – and when that time ends, it’s returned to the Crown.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry pictured inside Frogmore CottageNetflix
“When it comes to legal rights, the rules around royal homes are very different to those in everyday property ownership.”
Frogmore Cottage held significant meaning for the Sussexes as their first marital home.
It was where they spent the first few months of Archie’s life, with intimate family moments later revealed in their Netflix documentary.
The property is situated near a picturesque lake and close to Grade-II listed Frogmore House.
Meghan and Harry lived in Frogmore as working royalsPAThe couple hosted their wedding reception at Frogmore House in May 2018, creating a deep connection to the area.
Fans were given glimpses inside the cottage through their documentary, including touching bathtime scenes with baby Archie.
The couple now reside in Montecito, California. Their American home, officially named the Chateau of Riven Rock, offers considerably more luxury than their former UK cottage.
The estate features a wine cellar, first-floor terrace, children’s playpark and outdoor pool.
