Prince Harry's emotional response to being evicted from Frogmore Cottage has highlighted the deepening rift between him and his father, King Charles III. The eviction, which occurred nearly six months after Harry and Meghan Markle received their notice, marked a significant turning point in their relationship, according to royal experts.
The Sussexes vacated Frogmore Cottage on June 28 of last year, following an extensive £2.4 million renovation of the Windsor property. Their remaining possessions were shipped to California, leaving the couple without a UK residence. Sir Michael Stevens, a courtier, confirmed, "We can confirm that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have vacated Frogmore Cottage. They have reimbursed the Sovereign Grant for the renovation costs, significantly benefiting the Crown."
The decision to evict Harry and Meghan came as a shock to many, especially given the couple's investment in the property. Royal author Tom Quinn told The Mirror, "Few people realized what a slap in the face the eviction from Frogmore felt like for Harry - it was the last straw. Harry was absolutely furious and in tears about being evicted from Frogmore."
Quinn elaborated on the emotional toll the eviction took on Prince Harry. "He felt his father had no right to do it and that it was purely vindictive. Harry couldn't see that choosing to stop being a working royal would inevitably mean being deprived of his royal residence. Harry took it as a cruel rejection - a painful reminder of all that he felt when his father fought with his mother during their long drawn-out, painful divorce."
The eviction was not merely a logistical inconvenience for Harry; it was a symbolic act that reopened old wounds and underscored his sense of being marginalized within the royal family. "Whenever Charles puts his foot down, it seems unfair to Harry, who feels that after everything that has happened to him, he should always get whatever he wants," Quinn added.
The eviction from Frogmore Cottage has left Harry and Meghan reliant on hotels or the hospitality of friends during their visits to the UK. This lack of a permanent home in Britain further distances them from royal activities and family events. Quinn remarked, "For many, Harry is just a poor little rich kid behaving like a spoiled brat, but Harry sees himself as the eternal victim."
In his memoir "Spare," Harry reflected on the sense of betrayal he felt over the eviction. He wrote that he and Meghan were "evicted" after deciding to leave the royal family, and that the cottage had been intended as their "forever home" after being gifted to them by the late Queen.
The emotional and public fallout from the eviction has also taken a toll on King Charles. The monarch has appeared visibly tired while carrying out his official duties. Recently, he showed subtle signs of fatigue as he bid farewell to the Emperor and Empress of Japan after their multi-day visit to the UK.
The broader royal family has largely remained silent on the issue, though insiders suggest that the decision was a pragmatic one. "Charles is exhausted by the ongoing drama and the public scrutiny. This decision was about setting boundaries and managing expectations," said a source close to the palace.
The eviction has long-term implications for the Sussexes' relationship with the royal family. As they continue to build their lives in California, the physical and emotional distance from their UK roots grows. The question remains whether any future reconciliation is possible or if the rift will continue to widen.
Public opinion is divided. Some sympathize with Harry's sense of rejection, viewing it as a harsh response to his departure from royal duties. Others see the eviction as a necessary consequence of his and Meghan's decision to step back from royal responsibilities.
