Prince Harry found himself in an awkward situation as Meghan Markle made her entrance, leaving him feeling a mix of excitement and embarrassment.
The couple’s Montecito mansion in the United States stands in stark contrast to their former residence in the UK, Frogmore Cottage, which they relinquished upon stepping down from their royal duties.
Having bid farewell to their historic home in Windsor, gifted by the late queen, Harry and Meghan recently handed back the keys to Frogmore Cottage after being formally evicted earlier this year.
Reports suggest that the couple initially had their sights set on residing in Windsor Castle itself, seeking living quarters within the castle grounds post-marriage.
However, Queen Elizabeth firmly directed them towards Frogmore instead.
Royal author Hugo Vickers revealed that there were vacant bedrooms and suites within the private apartments at Windsor Castle, which the Sussexes might have been entitled to.
Despite this, it was deemed unsuitable for a young family to reside there, prompting the monarch to suggest Frogmore as a more fitting abode.
Before acquiring Frogmore Cottage, rumors circulated that Meghan favored the Wells as a countryside estate.
In his book, Prince Harry omitted details about their stay at William and Catherine’s home during Christmas, possibly to avoid certain responsibilities associated with the royal family.
Nonetheless, Meghan did spend Christmas at Sandringham with the queen, while William and Catherine extended an invitation for the couple to stay at Amber Hall, offering a balance between shared festivities and personal space.
Although Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace was gifted to them by Queen Elizabeth, Meghan expressed a preference for a more grandiose residence, hinting at a desire to relocate post-marriage.
In a subtle jab at their former abode, the couple remarked on the modest size of Nottingham Cottage, with Meghan highlighting its low ceilings and emphasizing the misconception that they were living within the palace itself.
Oprah Winfrey reportedly expressed disbelief at the modesty of Harry and Meghan’s home, a sentiment echoed by the couple themselves.
Harry strategically omitted details of their visits to Nottingham Cottage from his memoir, aligning with a narrative that portrayed them as victims of mistreatment.
However, the royal family had made genuine efforts to welcome Meghan, a fact that seemed overlooked until she became part of the royal fold.
The saga surrounding Harry and Meghan’s housing preferences sheds light on the complexities of royal life and the intricacies of navigating tradition and personal desires.
As the couple continues to forge their path outside the confines of traditional royal duties, their choices and experiences serve as a captivating narrative of modern royalty in transition.
