The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Frogmore Cottage has been renovated with $3 million of taxpayers’ money, royal accounts have revealed.
Harry and Meghan’s country residence, close to Windsor Castle, underwent major work to turn five properties back into a single home for the couple and their baby son Archie – with all fittings and fixtures privately paid for by the duke and duchess.
It is likely they installed a luxury kitchen and bathroom and it has reportedly been designed by the couple with dining and entertaining in mind and with extra bedrooms to accommodate guests, like the duchess’ mother Doria Ragland.
“The property had not been subject of work for some years and had already been earmarked for renovation in line with out responsibility to maintain the condition of the occupied royal palaces estate,” said Michael Stevens, the Keeper of the Privy Purse.
“Outdated infrastructure was replaced to guarantee the long term future of the property,” he said as the royal household published the annual Sovereign Grant report which details official income and expenditure of Queen Elizabeth and her household.
The 19th century Frogmore Cottage, in the grounds of the queen's Windsor Castle estate, became the official residence of Harry and Meghan when they moved in shortly before the birth of their first child, Archie, in May.
The building had been previously converted into five separate residences and royal officials had already planned to renovate it before it was agreed that it would become the residence of Harry and Meghan.
The six-month refurbishment included new electrical wiring, replacement of defective ceiling beams and floor joists, new heating systems and the introduction of new gas and water mains.
A palace source, speaking on condition of anonymity said the taxpayer grant covered the basic cost for kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring with additional outlays for something more bespoke being met privately by the royals who also paid for items such as curtains and furnishings.
