Getty
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s controversial renovation of their Frogmore Cottage home has come up against yet more issues, according to reports.
PLAY TO WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW
Last month it came to light that the renovation had cost British tax payers $4.4 million dollars so far.
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.
However, according to Daily Mail, there were hiccups when it came to landscaping the gardens of the property for the royals.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been forced to apply for retrospective planning permission for landscaping at the cottage, because it is different to the design already approved by the council.
While retrospective planning applications can be submitted for work already carried out, permission won’t automatically be granted.
According to the Daily Mail, if the application is refused, the council can issue an enforcement notice which could require the couple to reverse any changes made at the Grade-II listed cottage.
While the exact details that have changed remain unclear, there has been an outcry over the threats to national security if the proposals are made public – something which could happen if the council puts the plans on its website or in its offices.
Ian Ratcliffe, project manager at the Royal Household, said in a letter to the council that details of the couple’s plans should be kept secret, said Daily Mail‘s report.
“National security could be compromised if public access is given to the plans”, he said.
He argued that copies should not be sent to statutory consultees, as is typical of these applications.
“For reasons of national security, we would appreciate if this application could be treated as confidential, and not be allowed to enter the public domain.”
Newlyweds Meghan and Harry moved into the royal residence in April, before welcoming baby Archie Harrison on May 6.
While initial reports had talked of a yoga studio and other lavish additions to the property, sources close to the couple told The Daily Mail that reports of a yoga studio or “floating floors” at Frogmore Cottage were incorrect.
WATCH MORE ROYALS BELOW
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
