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How Harry and Meghan spent $4.4 million of taxpayers' money on home reno at Frogmore Cottage

There isn't even a yoga studio! - by Delicia Smith
  • 25 Jun 2019

Royal accounts show almost $4.4 million (£2.4 million) of taxpayer money was spent renovating Frogmore Cottage for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Meghan and Harry's Frogmore Cottage to copy Toronto aesthetic, says expert

In a new report, the Palace said major work was needed to turn the house - which is in the grounds of Windsor Castle - from five separate cottages into a single home for Harry and Meghan, and their new baby Archie.

Buckingham Palace said Frogmore Cottage was in very poor shape and needed ceilings and floors replacing, extensive rewiring, and the installation of gas and water mains - but there's no mention of a yoga studio. 

frogmore cottage

Frogmore Cottage is in the grounds of Frogmore House in Windsor, where Harry and Meghan held their wedding reception in May 2018.

Getty

With taxpayer-funded spending on the royals a sensitive topic, the Palace made it clear in the Sovereign Grant Report the couple themselves paid for anything other than basic fixtures and fittings, such as furnishings and interior design.

The Sovereign Grant - which paid for the reno - covers the cost of royal official duties and is also for the upkeep of royal palaces, and comes from taxpayer funds.

While speculation was rife around Meghan's diva demands during the renovations, the report gives some clear details around what was carried out at the property. 

sussexroyal View Profile
563.6k likes - View Post on Instagram
Just one week ago, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex asked that you kindly consider supporting various organisations around the world in lieu of sending gifts for the upcoming arrival of their first born. Not only did many of you lend your support, you took action. Their Royal Highnesses wanted you to know the impact of your support - the direct effect your donation, energy, and action made! YOU chose to be part of the collective good, and you have made a real difference. Whether a $5 donation, £1000 contribution, offering to volunteer, or spreading the word - you've played your part. And on behalf of The Duke and Duchess (and Baby Sussex), we thank you so much. YOUR IMPACT: @thelunchboxfund will now be able to provide a minimum of 100,000 additional hot nutritionally fortified meals to children in dire need across South Africa @littlevillagehq received donations from all over the world (from UAE to Hong Kong and the US), they've increased their monthly donors, had a surge in volunteer applications, and re-energized their hard working team of 200+ staff and volunteers @wellchild can now provide 300+ additional hours of specialist care by a Well Child Nurse for a child with serious health needs, allowing families to stay together at home vs in hospital @Baby2Baby have received over 5,000 products to disperse to children in need, including cribs, books, backpacks, diapers and have received monetary donations from around the globe - from Guadalajara to Italy. You made this happen. Thank you.

“The scheme consisted of the reconfiguration and full refurbishment of five residential units in poor condition to create the official residence for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their family,” the report states.

And the Queen's Treasurer, Sir Michael Stevens - the Keeper of the Privy Purse - further explained to reporters that “the building was returned to a single residence, and outdated infrastructure was replaced to guarantee the long-term future of the property. Substantially all fixtures and fittings were paid for by their royal highnesses.”

Newlyweds Meghan and Harry moved into the royal residence in April, before welcoming baby Archie Harrison on May 6. 

sussexroyal View Profile
2.8m likes - View Post on Instagram
Today The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are delighted to share their first public moment as a family. They are so incredibly grateful for the warm wishes and support they've received from everyone around the world, since welcoming their son two days ago. Photo cred: Chris Allerton ©️SussexRoyal

Sources close to the couple told The Daily Mail that reports of a yoga studio or "floating floors" at Frogmore Cottage were incorrect. 

"Frogmore Cottage is a Grade II-listed building, the official and only residence of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It is not their country residence, it is their only residence," the source explained to The Daily Mail. 

"Other senior working members of the Royal Family have official residences which are paid for by the sovereign grant to enable them to carry out their royal duties.

"There's no wing for Doria, no yoga studio. It's a fairly cosy family home," the source told the publication.   

According to the report, the total Sovereign Grant for 2018-19, amounted to £82.2m (2017-18 £76.1m), equivalent to £1.24 ($2.27) per person in the UK.

  • Royals
  • Meghan Markle
  • Prince Harry
  • Queen Elizabeth
Delicia Smith

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