Buckingham Palace would conduct a thorough security evaluation on any individual or family before allowing them access to Frogmore Cottage, according to a property expert.
The four-bedroom, four-bathroom residence in Windsor's Home Park has remained vacant since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex officially vacated the property after their licence to occupy was not renewed in 2023.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex ceased being senior working royals in January 2020 and moved to North America, though they maintained their Frogmore Cottage licence until March 2022.
Despite expressing interest in renewing the arrangement, which property buying agent Robin Edwards from Curetons noted "could have allowed Harry to remain legally domiciled in the UK for citizenship and immigration purposes," the couple settled in Montecito, California, and the licence was not extended.
Harry and Meghan's former home set to be repurposed after Eugenie's short stay.
Getty / PA
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank resided at the cottage from November 2020 to May 2022 before dividing their time between the UK and Portugal.
Prince Andrew is understood to have declined an offer to relocate to Frogmore Cottage from Royal Lodge in March 2023, "believing it to be not grand enough for him," according to Edwards.
Edwards outlined several potential uses for the property, suggesting it could be leased to carefully selected high-profile tenants.
"They would have to be highly vetted by the Palace and security services, though," he said.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle formerly lived in Frogmore Cottage.
PAAlternative options include accommodating visiting dignitaries attending Windsor Castle events, or offering it as a grace-and-favour residence for senior royal household members or Government officials.
Edwards emphasised that leaving such a significant property empty "could be controversial," adding: "Considering public scrutiny over the use of royal residences, it seems likely that the family will either find a practical use for Frogmore Cottage or rent it commercially to justify its ongoing maintenance costs."
The property expert told the People's Channel that the cottage could command monthly rents exceeding £30,000 due to its royal heritage and prime location within Windsor Castle's private grounds.
Edwards explained that comparable high-end properties in Windsor typically command between £15,000 and £25,000 monthly, but Frogmore Cottage's unique status could push its value higher.
Inside glimpses at Frogmore Cottage were included in the couple's Netflix series.
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Princess Eugenie lives part-time in Portugal with her husband and two children.
Instagram / Princess Eugenie"Given the property's royal provenance and prestige, the rent could easily exceed £30,000 per month, meaning a potential annual rental income of up to nearly £400,000," he said.
The property expert highlighted several factors that would enhance its rental value, including "the royal heritage premium" from being part of the Crown Estate and having previously housed royals.
He noted that the cottage's location offers "unparalleled privacy and security, which wealthy tenants would find highly desirable," whilst the surrounding Windsor rental market remains robust with affluent tenants seeking prestigious properties.
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