The Windsor residence underwent significant renovations, which later sparked political controversy when it was revealed that about $3.2 million in public funds had been allocated for these improvements.
In 2020, after stepping down from their royal duties and moving to Montecito, California, the Sussexes reimbursed the full amount.
In 2023, King Charles, aged 77, formally requested the couple vacate the property, which has since remained unoccupied.
Sources indicate that new efforts are being considered to eliminate elements linked to Harry and Meghan’s period at the cottage, sparking renewed discussions on royal expenditure and estate management.
A palace insider commented: “The current frustration is not primarily directed at Harry and Meghan. Most people have come to terms with their departure from royal duties and their new life abroad. The main issue causing strong reactions now is the notion of further spending on a property that has already been the subject of extensive headlines, controversy, and cost debates.
“Critics increasingly feel that this appears more like a symbolic cleanup than a truly necessary refurbishment. Frogmore has been linked with millions of dollars in expenses over the years, and questions are being raised about the need for additional investment just to remove traces of previous residents.
“The projected cost of erasing reminders of the Sussex era has now exceeded $4.3 million, which many find to be an extraordinary sum.
“As households across Britain continue to grapple with rising living costs and economic uncertainty, there is concern that this could be seen as entirely disconnected from reality. Critics are already labeling it a vanity project, serving little practical purpose beyond closing an uncomfortable chapter in royal history.
“The Palace faces an optics challenge here. If the public perceives that millions are being spent not out of necessity but to eliminate any association with Harry and Meghan, it becomes difficult to justify. This is where the frustration originates. People want royal properties to be managed responsibly and efficiently, avoiding what some might view as an expensive exercise in image management.”
