M
eghan Markle’s move into Frogmore Cottage—presented to the Sussexes by the late Queen Elizabeth II—was cited by royal biographer Tom Quinn as the tipping point that led the couple to relinquish senior royal duties and relocate to the United States. The five‑bedroom Windsor property, intended as a “perfect retreat” from relentless media scrutiny, proved unsatisfactory to Meghan, who reportedly lamented that it would consign her to “rural obscurity.” She and Prince Harry were also disappointed with their earlier residence, Nottingham Cottage, a modest flat within Kensington Palace grounds.

    Insiders described Frogmore as remote, likening it to “the Russian steppe,” which made the central London palace feel like the world’s centre. During their tenancy, the couple invested £2.4 million (about A$4.3 million) of public funds in extensive renovations, turning the historic home into a “Californian condo” with state‑of‑the‑art soundproofing, underfloor heating, and a copper bath. After the controversy, Harry reimbursed the full amount.

    Frogmore was the Sussexes’ first marital home and hosted their 2018 wedding reception. It also served as the nursery for their son Archie during his first months, a period that was featured in their Netflix documentary. In 2020, following their decision to step back from royal duties, the couple vacated Frogmore and moved to Montecito, California, where they now reside in a nine‑bedroom, 16‑bathroom estate that includes a pool and tennis court, valued at US$14.65 million (A$20.9 million).

    The move to Frogmore, intended to offer privacy and respite, ultimately highlighted the Sussexes’ growing frustration with the constraints of royal life and the relentless scrutiny that shaped their decision to seek a new life abroad.