Earlier this year, rumors were swirling that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be ready to move on from their Montecito mansion.
The couple snapped up their current $14 million home just months after they shocked the world by deciding to quit the UK and their royal roles. But before heading to carve out a new life in the United States, the pair lived in the historic Frogmore Cottage in the heart of the royals' Windsor estate.
It was gifted to the couple by the late Queen as a wedding present - but last year they were forced to hand back the keys as their trips back to the UK have been few and far between. But it seems they may have actually had their eye on a completely different property altogether after their marriage, but Harry's late grandmother, the Queen, reportedly "firmly" denied their request and suggested Frogmore Cottage.
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According to reports, the Sussexes wanted to live in Windsor Castle itself and were said to have asked if "living quarters could be made available after their marriage". At the time, only the late Queen and Prince Philip had private apartments within the actual castle, with everyone else living elsewhere on the estate.
However, the monarch reportedly "politely but firmly suggested" that they live in nearby Frogmore Cottage instead. Royal author and historian Hugo Vickers previously told The Times: "There are empty bedrooms and suites in the private apartments which the Sussexes may have had their eye on, or perhaps some former living quarters in the castle grounds converted into other things. But I can see how it might not be entirely appropriate to have a young family living there."
However, before they were granted Frogmore Cottage, a number of other homes in Windsor were reportedly put forward as possible residences for the couple. One of which was Adelaide Cottage, which is now the home of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children. Prince William and Kate moved from London to the four-bed home in Windsor in 2022 with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Meanwhile, a property expert has warned that if Harry and Meghan are fancying a house move, it could be time to sell up. Speaking to the Mirror, Jonathan Rolande said: "One reason Harry and Meghan might be looking to move is to take advantage of the reported rise in value their mansion has accrued."
He explained: "According to some reports, the value of their home has soared by more than £10m since they moved in. That's entirely possible." However, he warned: "But, like here, property markets in the US can rapidly change, so they might think this is the time to make their move and cash in."
The Sussexes' current home features nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, along with a games room, a gym, tennis courts and tea house. Jonathan said these aren't the only things that will interest potential buyers. "As well as obviously being a stunning property the home also comes with the wow factor of once being owned by Harry and Meghan. For many this will be a huge selling point and can, itself, add to the value," he added.
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