Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s former residence, Frogmore Cottage, continues to stir controversy over a year after the couple was asked to vacate. The publication of the Sovereign Grant Report for the 2023-2024 financial year has reignited speculation about the status of the property, which remains empty despite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex having reimbursed the refurbishment costs.

The Royal Household’s recent report detailed the partially taxpayer-funded expenditures supporting King Charles’ official duties and maintaining the royal palaces. Curiosity about Frogmore Cottage led to an official statement clarifying that the residence is still vacant. “I don’t think, at this point, I would speculate on who will be the future occupants of the cottage,” an official said at a briefing, according to The Independent.

Prince Harry and Meghan lived at Frogmore Cottage from 2019 to 2020, having upgraded from their two-bedroom Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace. The move was made in anticipation of the birth of their first child, Prince Archie, in May 2019. However, the family relocated to California after stepping back from their royal duties in early 2020. Their daughter, Princess Lilibet, was born there in 2021.

In March 2023, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed that they had been asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage. This decision was reportedly influenced by King Charles’ desire for his brother, Prince Andrew, to leave his Royal Lodge residence and move into Frogmore.

Frogmore Cottage, built in 1801 under Queen Charlotte’s direction, required extensive renovations before Prince Harry and Meghan moved in. The refurbishment, costing approximately $3 million, was initially covered by the Sovereign Grant, funded by taxpayers. However, following their decision to step back from royal duties, the couple proactively repaid the renovation costs to avoid any ongoing public expense.

Despite repaying the costs and enhancing the property’s value, the cottage remains unoccupied. The Royal Household has stated that there is no additional cost to the Sovereign Grant aside from routine maintenance, which would be required for any of the buildings.

The vacancy of Frogmore Cottage has drawn criticism, especially given the couple’s efforts to ensure no financial burden on the taxpayers. Meghan Markle has reportedly blamed the royal family for selfishness, highlighting the irony of the situation. While the property remains empty, the couple’s belongings have been shipped to their California home, marking their final departure from Frogmore in June 2023.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s departure and the cottage’s subsequent vacancy have sparked debates about the management of royal properties. Comparisons have been made to other royal refurbishments, such as the $7 million renovation of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Kensington Palace apartment, which included expensive asbestos removal.

In the meantime, Frogmore Cottage remains in limbo. The property’s future occupants are yet to be determined, leaving a lingering question about the royal family’s handling of such valuable assets. As Meghan and Harry continue to build their lives in the U.S., the empty cottage stands as a symbol of their complex relationship with the British royal family.

The situation underscores the broader issues of royal property management and the responsibilities tied to taxpayer-funded refurbishments. Meghan Markle’s frustration reflects a broader sentiment about the need for transparency and accountability within the royal institution, particularly concerning properties like Frogmore Cottage.