The Complete History of Frogmore Cottage: Royal Retreat to Modern Residence

Frogmore Cottage is a Grade II listed historic royal residence located on the Frogmore Estate in Windsor, famously known as the former UK home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and a property of the Crown Estate. Originally built in 1801 as a retreat for Queen Charlotte, the ten-bedroom property has served as a sanctuary for diverse historical figures, from Indian confidants to exiled Russian royalty, before its controversial 2019 renovation converted it back into a single-family home.
The Origins: Queen Charlotte’s Garden Retreat
Built: 1801
Original Name: Double Garden Cottage
Key Resident: Queen Charlotte and her daughters
Frogmore Cottage was constructed in 1801 at the direction of Queen Charlotte, the consort of King George III. Seeking a refuge from the rigid formalities of court life at Windsor Castle and the King’s worsening illness, the Queen commissioned the property within the serene grounds of the Home Park.
Originally known as “Double Garden Cottage,” the structure was designed to be modest yet comfortable, serving primarily as a destination for daytime leisure rather than a permanent sleeping quarter. The Queen and her unmarried daughters used the cottage for “botanising”—the study of plants—needlework, and reading. The location was chosen specifically for its proximity to the Frogmore House gardens, which the Queen had extensively landscaped with rare botanical specimens.
The architecture of the early 19th century reflected the “cottage orné” style—a movement that romanticized rural living through decorative, rustic designs. While modest compared to the nearby Frogmore House, the cottage featured large sash windows and a stucco exterior, designed to blend seamlessly with the lush, marshy grounds (the name “Frogmore” derives from “frog-mere” or frog pool).
The American Theologian: Henry James Sr.
Period: Late 1840s
Context: Intellectual Retreat
In a surprising divergence from royal occupancy, the cottage was leased in the mid-19th century to the American theologian Henry James Sr. He was the father of the celebrated novelist Henry James and the psychologist William James.
During the family’s residence in the 1840s, the cottage served as a quiet environment for James Sr.’s philosophical writings. This period highlights the property’s historical use as a “Grace and Favour” residence—homes owned by the monarch but leased or given rent-free to individuals of distinction or service. The James family’s time at Frogmore is often cited by literary historians as a formative period for the young Henry James, exposing him to the textures of English aristocracy that would later permeate his novels.
The Indian Connection: Abdul Karim (The Munshi)
Period: 1897–1901
Key Event: The burning of correspondence
Renovation: Victorian “exotic” refurbishment
One of the most fascinating chapters in the cottage’s history involves Abdul Karim, known as “The Munshi,” who became Queen Victoria’s closest confidant in her final years. In 1897, defying the racism and jealousy of her court, Queen Victoria gifted the lease of Frogmore Cottage to Karim.
Karim moved into the cottage with his wife and father, transforming the English interior with rich tapestries, Indian art, and gifts bestowed upon him by European royalty. It became a “little India” in the heart of Windsor. The Queen visited frequently for tea, finding solace in Karim’s companionship away from her judgmental children.
However, the cottage also witnessed a brutal act of erasure. Immediately following Queen Victoria’s funeral in 1901, King Edward VII—who detested the Munshi—ordered a raid on Frogmore Cottage. Guards seized all letters written by the Queen to Karim and burned them in a bonfire outside the cottage while a distraught Karim watched. He was subsequently evicted and deported to India, ending the cottage’s most controversial era.
A Sanctuary for Exiles: Grand Duchess Xenia of Russia
Period: 1925–1937
Context: Post-Revolution Exile
Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, surviving members of the Romanov family fled across Europe. Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna, the sister of the murdered Tsar Nicholas II, eventually found safety in Britain.
In 1925, King George V, her first cousin, offered Frogmore Cottage as a grace-and-favour residence to the impoverished Grand Duchess. For over a decade, the cottage housed the exiled Russian royalty. Reports from this era describe the cottage as being filled with the smell of incense and the sounds of Russian prayer, as Xenia attempted to recreate a semblance of her lost life.
Xenia lived at Frogmore Cottage until 1937, when she was moved to Wilderness House at Hampton Court Palace. Her tenure cemented the cottage’s reputation as a safe harbor for the monarch’s extended family and friends in times of crisis.
The “Grace and Favour” Apartments
Period: 1940s–2018
Configuration: Five separate units
Residents: Royal staff and estate workers
For the majority of the 20th and early 21st centuries, Frogmore Cottage ceased to be a single majestic home. To address housing shortages for royal staff, the property was subdivided into five separate apartments.
Tenants included housekeeping staff, gardeners for the Windsor estate, and lower-ranking royal aides. Over decades of partitioned use, the structural integrity of the building declined. By 2018, the property was described as “dilapidated,” with failing beams and outdated heating systems. It lost its grandeur, functioning more as a dormitory block than a royal residence.
The Sussex Era: Renovation and Controversy
Period: 2019–2023
Cost: £2.4 million (Repaid by the Duke of Sussex)
Designer: Vicky Charles (Soho House)
In 2018, the late Queen Elizabeth II gifted Frogmore Cottage to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, ahead of the birth of their son, Archie. Because the property had been subdivided, a massive renovation was required to unify the five apartments back into a single five-bedroom family home.
The Renovation Details
The six-month renovation was extensive and complex due to the Grade II listed status of the building.

• Structural Consolidation: Demolishing internal partition walls to recreate the original floor plan.
• Soundproofing: Triple-glazed windows were installed to block noise from Heathrow Airport, which lies directly under the flight path.
• Eco-Friendly Design: The couple reportedly utilized vegan, organic paint (infused with eucalyptus and rosemary oils) and installed a green energy heating system.
• Additions: Two orangeries were added to extend the living space, along with a custom yoga studio with a “floating” floor.
  The Financial Dispute
  The £2.4 million cost was initially covered by the Sovereign Grant (taxpayer funds), which is standard for the upkeep of historic royal palaces. However, following the Sussexes’ decision to step back from senior royal duties in 2020, the use of public funds became a point of intense public scrutiny. In September 2020, Prince Harry fully repaid the £2.4 million to the Crown and also paid rent for the years he utilized the property while living in California.
  Architecture and Grounds
  Frogmore Cottage sits within the Home Park of Windsor Castle, a private 655-acre park administered by the Crown Estate.
  The Building
  The cottage is a two-story stucco-faced building with a parapet roof and glazing bar sash windows. A central porch highlights the entrance. Despite its name, it is a substantial property; “cottage” in royal terminology often refers to style rather than size. Following the 2019 renovation, the interior features a large open-plan kitchen, a nursery, and four bathrooms, blending modern luxury with the building’s Georgian bones.
  The Gardens
  The grounds of Frogmore are renowned for their beauty. The cottage overlooks private gardens that are distinct from the larger Frogmore House gardens. The landscaping includes:
• The “Long Walk”: While the cottage is set back, it is accessible via the famous tree-lined avenue leading to Windsor Castle.
• The Mausoleum: Just a short walk from the cottage stands the Royal Mausoleum, the final resting place of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This proximity adds a somber historical weight to the cottage’s location.
• Frogmore Lake: An artificial lake created in the 18th century adds to the “frog-mere” marshland aesthetic that gave the estate its name.
  Practical Information and Planning
  Unlike Windsor Castle, Frogmore Cottage is a private residence and is strictly closed to the public. However, visitors can get close to the area during specific times of the year.
• Frogmore House Open Days: The larger Frogmore House and its gardens (adjacent to the cottage) are open to the public for only three days a year, usually in August, with proceeds going to charity. Tickets must be pre-booked months in advance.
• The Long Walk: The public can walk the Long Walk year-round. While you cannot see the cottage directly from the path due to security perimeters and foliage, you are walking the same grounds.
• Transport: The nearest train stations are Windsor & Eton Central and Windsor & Eton Riverside. From London Waterloo, the journey takes approximately 55 minutes.
• Security: The area is heavily patrolled by armed police. Attempting to breach the perimeter of the Home Park is a criminal offense.
  Current Status (2024-2025)
  As of late 2024, the status of Frogmore Cottage remains a subject of royal speculation. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were requested to vacate the property entirely in early 2023. Reports indicate that King Charles III offered the keys to his brother, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, suggesting he downsize from the much larger Royal Lodge. However, Prince Andrew has reportedly resisted this move. Consequently, the cottage currently sits largely vacant, maintained by the Crown Estate but without a permanent royal tenant.
  Frequently Asked Questions
  Can I visit Frogmore Cottage?
  No, Frogmore Cottage is a private royal residence and is not open to the public. However, the adjacent Frogmore House and Gardens are open for three specific charity days annually, usually in August.
  How far is Frogmore Cottage from Windsor Castle?
  The cottage is located approximately half a mile (0.8 km) south of Windsor Castle within the Home Park. It is a short 10-15 minute walk from the castle through the private grounds.
  Who owns Frogmore Cottage?
  The property is owned by the Crown Estate. It is not the private property of any single royal but is held in trust by the Monarch for the nation.
  Did Prince Harry pay back the renovation money?
  Yes. In September 2020, it was confirmed that Prince Harry had fully repaid the £2.4 million cost of the renovations to the Sovereign Grant.
  Why is it called “Frogmore”?
  The name is derived from the Old English word “frog-mere,” referring to the abundance of frogs found in the low-lying, marshy area near the River Thames where the estate was built.
  Who lives in Frogmore Cottage now?
  As of 2025, the cottage is officially vacant. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have vacated, and while it was offered to Prince Andrew, he has not moved in.
  How many bedrooms does Frogmore Cottage have?
  Following the 2019 renovation, the property features five bedrooms. Prior to this, during its time as staff quarters, it was divided into five small apartments with varying room counts.
  Is Frogmore Cottage the same as Frogmore House?
  No. Frogmore House is a large, grand royal mansion used for official functions (and where Harry and Meghan’s wedding reception was held). Frogmore Cottage is a smaller, separate residential property located nearby on the same estate.
  What is the “Secret Garden” at Frogmore?
  The gardens surrounding the cottage are often described as a “secret garden” due to their high security and seclusion. They feature ancient mulberry trees, redwood trees, and a man-made picturesque ruin designed by James Wyatt.
  Is Frogmore Cottage protected by law?
  Yes, it is a Grade II listed building. This means it is of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve it. Any renovations or alterations require special planning permission to ensure the historic character is maintained.
  Did Princess Eugenie live there?
  Yes. Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, briefly lived at Frogmore Cottage in late 2020 and 2021 after the Sussexes moved to the US.
  Where is Queen Victoria buried in relation to the cottage?
  Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are buried in the Royal Mausoleum, which is just a few hundred yards from Frogmore Cottage, visible from the gardens.
  What happened to Abdul Karim’s house at Frogmore?
  Abdul Karim lived in Frogmore Cottage itself. After his eviction in 1901, the cottage was cleaned and repurposed for other royal residents, erasing the specific Indian interior design elements he had installed.
  How big is Frogmore Cottage?
  The exact square footage is not publicly disclosed for security reasons, but it is estimated to be roughly 5,000 square feet following the unification of the apartments.
  Can I walk near Frogmore Cottage?
  You can walk on the Long Walk, which runs through Windsor Great Park. However, Frogmore Cottage is set deep within the private Home Park security zone, so you cannot walk directly up to it or see it clearly from the public path.