When Meghan Markle first met Prince Harry, she stepped into a world steeped in royal tradition and expectation. However, what may have come as a surprise to her was not just the lavishness of royal life but also the significant disparities within it. An insider explains that despite Prince Harry’s royal title, Meghan felt that he “deserved more materially” than what was afforded to him, especially compared to his brother, Prince William.
This insight comes from biographer Robert Jobson’s latest book, Catherine, The Princess of Wales, where he delves into the early days of Harry and Meghan’s relationship. At the time, Harry was living in Nottingham Cottage, affectionately known as “Nott Cott,” a modest two-bedroom residence on the grounds of Kensington Palace. While its location was undoubtedly prestigious, its modest size stood in stark contrast to the grand royal residences occupied by other family members.
Stark Disparities in Royal Residences
In Jobson’s account, he highlights the palpable difference between Harry’s residence and the one occupied by Prince William and Kate Middleton. William and Kate lived in Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, an expansive and opulent abode boasting 20 rooms. Meghan was reportedly “taken aback” by this disparity, a sentiment echoed in her husband’s 2023 memoir, Spare.
“When they went to have drinks at William and Catherine’s palatial apartment, she was apparently ‘taken aback’ at the disparity between the brothers,” Jobson writes. “Meghan understood that William was above her husband in the royal pecking order as the heir to the throne, but she thought Harry was also a royal prince, so he deserved more materially.”
Harry himself reflected on this awkward situation in his memoir, candidly admitting that he felt a mix of excitement and embarrassment when introducing Meghan to Nottingham Cottage. “I was excited to welcome Meg to my home, but also embarrassed,” Harry wrote. “Nott Cott was no palace.”
A New Home at Frogmore Cottage
The couple’s feelings of disparity were somewhat addressed when Queen Elizabeth II gifted them Frogmore Cottage following their marriage in 2018. With five bedrooms and set in the more secluded grounds of Windsor Castle, Frogmore offered a significant upgrade. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent £2.4 million (approximately $3 million) on renovations to make it their own. However, their time at Frogmore was relatively short-lived. They moved out in 2020 after stepping down from their roles as senior royals and relocating to the United States.
Since their departure, Frogmore Cottage has remained vacant. Despite the renovations and the couple’s personal connection to the property, King Charles reportedly evicted Harry and Meghan from the cottage earlier this year, raising questions about the future use of the residence.
Navigating Royal Expectations and Personal Aspirations
Meghan’s reaction to the disparity in royal accommodations highlights the complex dynamics of royal life, where tradition, hierarchy, and personal aspirations intersect. It serves as a testament to the challenges Harry and Meghan have faced in balancing their roles within the monarchy with their personal lives.
The Duchess of Sussex’s observations reflect broader questions about equity and expectation within the royal family, illustrating the balancing act required to maintain familial harmony while navigating personal desires.
As the Sussexes continue to build their life away from royal duties, these insights offer a glimpse into the early challenges they faced within the institution and the subsequent decisions that have shaped their path forward. Whether Frogmore Cottage will once again become a bustling royal residence or remain a symbol of a bygone era remains to be seen.
