Prince Andrew is reportedly seeking to secure Frogmore Cottage, the former UK residence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, for his daughter Princess Eugenie and her growing family. According to royal sources, the Duke of York has been in talks with King Charles III about transferring the vacant property to Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank, and their two children, August and Ernest.
Frogmore Cottage, located in the grounds of Windsor Castle, has remained empty since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were asked to vacate the property last summer. King Charles had initially planned for Andrew to move into the cottage after evicting Harry and Meghan.
The move was intended to make room for Andrew to vacate his current residence, the sprawling Royal Lodge, amid ongoing discussions about his future within the royal family. However, Andrew appears to have other ideas.
An insider shared with The Express that while Andrew has no intention of relocating to Frogmore himself, he is determined to secure the property for Eugenie. “Andrew won’t move into Frogmore but is still trying to wangle it for his family,” the source explained.
The cottage holds sentimental value for Eugenie, who has stayed there on several occasions since the Sussexes left for the United States. She even helped pack up some of Harry and Meghan’s belongings when they officially vacated the residence. The royal insider added, “She’s [Eugenie] stayed there a number of times since the Sussexes departed, and Andrew is trying to secure the property as a full-time home for his daughter.”
The move could mark a significant step for Eugenie and Jack, who, despite spending time in Portugal due to Jack’s work, have strong ties to the UK. “Eugenie and Jack’s hearts lie in the UK and they need a bigger home for their family. They adore Frogmore Cottage and have stayed there often so making it into a full-time home makes sense,” the insider shared.
With two young children, the family is keen to settle in a more spacious and private environment. Frogmore Cottage, with its picturesque surroundings and historical charm, offers a suitable option for the family. Furthermore, the location, near Windsor Castle and other royal properties, keeps them close to the royal fold, while providing the privacy they desire.
Andrew’s motivation for securing the property for Eugenie is also influenced by his concerns for his daughters’ futures within the royal sphere. While his elder daughter, Princess Beatrice, is settled with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Andrew reportedly wants to ensure that Eugenie has a stable home in the UK. “Andrew knows Beatrice is settled so wants to make sure Eugenie finds a property that she can call a family home,” the insider revealed.
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Despite ongoing discussions about his future living arrangements, Andrew has shown resistance to leaving the Royal Lodge, a mansion he has occupied for decades. Although the Duke is reportedly being encouraged to downsize as part of broader royal cost-cutting measures.
Andrew seems determined to hold onto the residence while simultaneously securing Frogmore Cottage for Eugenie. “Although he won’t move out of Royal Lodge and into the cottage himself, he would still like to hold onto the property for his daughter,” the source added.
The Duke of York’s push for Frogmore comes amid continued scrutiny over his position within the royal family. Since stepping back from public duties in the wake of his controversial association with convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein.
As Andrew’s future has been the subject of ongoing debate. His efforts to secure Frogmore Cottage for Eugenie may be seen as part of his strategy to ensure his daughters remain integrated within the royal fold despite his diminished role.
As of now, it remains unclear whether King Charles will grant Andrew’s request. However, given Eugenie’s close ties with her cousin Prince Harry and her enduring connection to Frogmore, the cottage seems to be a fitting home for her and her family. Whether Andrew succeeds in securing the property remains to be seen, but for now, it appears the Duke is doing all he can to ensure his daughters have a firm footing within the royal landscape.
