Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Frogmore Cottage Eviction "Feels Like a Cruel Punishment," Friend Says
King Charles made the decision after "Spare" was published.


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been notified that they have just a few months to move out of Frogmore Cottage in Windsor entirely.
King Charles has reportedly "evicted" the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from their U.K. base, and offered it to Prince Andrew instead, following the release of Prince Harry's shock memoir Spare. Revelations made in the book apparently left Charles "spitting mad."
But for friends of the Sussexes and even for certain members of the Royal Family, this decision isn't just a hurtful move towards the U.S.-based couple, but also represents a further threat to their security when they travel to England, as reported by royal expert Omid Scobie in his latest Yahoo! column.
By virtue of its location on Windsor Castle grounds, Frogmore Cottage is covered by the Metropolitan Police's Royalty and Specialist Protection Unit, which adds an extra layer to the private security team the Sussexes bring with them on visits to the U.K.
Now, if they want to return to Harry's home country (notably for the coronation), they will need to find a way to bridge that security gap, despite the significant threats to their security they have consistently received over the past few years.
"If you'd seen the stuff that was written and you were receiving it, the kind of rhetoric that's online, if you don't know what I know, you would feel under threat all of the time," Neil Basu, the former head of counter-terrorism policing in England, said in November. "We had teams investigating it. People have been prosecuted for those threats."
By contrast, the disgraced Prince Andrew, who is now being offered Frogmore Cottage as a downgrade from his current home, has his own private security covered by the King himself, according to Scobie's sources.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Aside from the security threat, friends of the Sussexes find this decision by King Charles to be an unfair one, especially considering the couple paid the Crown Estate an amount of money that should have covered rent "for the foreseeable future."
"It all feels very final and like a cruel punishment," a friend of the Sussexes' told Scobie. "It’s like [the family] want to cut them out of the picture for good."
Apparently, at least two members of the Royal Family are equally "appalled" by the decision.
On top of all that, the house will be a difficult one for the Sussexes to leave, on an emotional level as well as a practical one.
"Harry and Meghan have until early summer to vacate," one source said. "Initially they were given just weeks, but now they have at least until after the coronation."
Another source said, "This is not just some random rental they keep for convenience. Every drawer is full, every closet is packed… It’s a real family home."
The Sussexes lived full-time in Frogmore for a few months while they were still working royals, and have retained the home as a base for their U.K. visits. Their permanent residence is currently in Montecito, California, where they live with their children Archie and Lili.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Why One Former Queen Was Held "Prisoner" at Kensington Palace
She was forbidden "from reading popular books" or walking "downstairs without holding someone's hand."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Dua Lipa Pairs Her Snakeskin Trench With a Chanel Bag
The pop star's new rules scream loud luxury.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Refused to Abide by a 350-Year-Old Royal Tradition
She insisted on doing this one very important thing her way, according to a royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
7 Times the Royal Family Broke Queen Elizabeth's More Understated "Rule"
These royal women are doing it their way.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Just Keeps Getting Busier With Major New Business Announcement
April will bring an exciting new venture for the duchess.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Jewelry Expert Reveals Who Owns the Most Expensive Royal Engagement Ring
From pink sapphires to classic diamonds, these regal rings don't disappoint.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The Understandable Reason Queen Camilla Doesn't Cook for King Charles, According to Her Son
"I don't think there's a lot of, 'Honey, I'm home, what's for dinner?'"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
King Charles Says Beyoncé Is "So Exceptional" and "Incomparable" on His New Apple Music Broadcast
Welcome to the Beyhive, Your Majesty.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
King Charles Just Spent $3.9 Million on the House Next Door to Queen Camilla's Private Home
Camilla is reportedly "grateful and relieved" after her husband made the expensive purchase.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Proves He's a Total Girl Dad in Sweet New Photo of Daughter Princess Lilibet
Lilibet is curled up in her dad's lap in the previously unseen snap.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
King Charles and Queen Camilla's State Visit to Italy Has Been Thrown Into "Doubt" Amid Official's Health Concerns
The royals were set to visit Rome and Ravenna, and meet with Pope Francis.
By Amy Mackelden Published