Prince Harry had always been close with his brother Prince William and the rest of the royal family. However, when he married Meghan Markle in 2018, a lot of things have changed, including his relationship with his family.
The alleged rift between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the royal family was seemingly proven when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved out of Kensington Palace to live in Frogmore Cottage. Now, The royal couple explained the real reason for their relocation.
On Wednesday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they would “step back as ‘senior’ members of the royal family” to make their own path and become financially independent. They also revealed that they will be living part-time in North America.
The lengthy explanation also touched on the topic regarding their relocation to Frogmore Cottage. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle intended to stay in Apartment 1 of Kensington Palace, which is a 21-bedroom home, but there was a huge problem.
“Their previous residence of Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace could not accommodate their growing family,” the statement read. “The option of Apartment in Kensington Palace was estimated to cost in excess of £4 million for mandated renovations including the removal of asbestos. This residence would not have been available for them to occupy until the fourth quarter of 2020.”
There were a lot of things to be done to the place, which would take some time to finish and would not be ready in time for the arrival of baby Archie. Because of that, Queen Elizabeth offered Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to live in Frogmore Cottage.
“As a result, Her Majesty the Queen offered the duke and duchess the use of Frogmore Cottage, which was already undergoing mandated renovations, and would be available to move in before the birth of their son,” it continued. The refurbishment cost equated to 50 percent of the originally suggested property for their proposed official residence at Kensington Palace. It is for these reasons, the Duke and Duchess of Sussed chose Frogmore Cottage as their official residence.”
Although Prince Harry had previously admitted that he and Prince William were on "different paths,” their official statement revealed that it was certainly not the reason why he and Meghan Markle moved out of Kensington Palace. Their relocation is more of a personal matter than the alleged royal family issues.
