Since leaving their senior royal roles in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced ongoing tension with the monarchy. In early 2023, they were officially asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage—shortly after Harry’s memoir Spare revealed intimate details about his royal upbringing.
The End of the Frogmore Cottage Lease
Frogmore Cottage was gifted to Harry and Meghan by Queen Elizabeth II and served as their UK home. Though renovated with public funds, the couple later repaid the cost.
In March 2023, after Harry’s memoir Spare was released, King Charles asked them to vacate the property. While the palace gave no official reason, many believe the eviction was tied to the memoir’s criticisms of the royal family.
Emotional Impact and Public Response
Harry and Meghan haven’t publicly shared much about being asked to leave Frogmore Cottage, but sources say it felt like a major emotional blow. According to The Times and People Magazine, Harry was “deeply upset,” seeing it as the last real connection to royal life in the UK. One insider said, “It felt final,” highlighting how the eviction deepened their sense of being cut off from the monarchy.
Title Issues: Archie and Lilibet’s Royal Status
Another source of tension was the delay in officially recognizing Archie and Lilibet’s royal titles. Though royal rules grant princely titles to the monarch’s grandchildren, it wasn’t until March 2023—six months after King Charles III took the throne—that the palace updated its website to reflect their titles as Prince and Princess.
A Sussex spokesperson noted the titles were their birthright, but the delay fueled speculation and was seen by some as further proof of the couple being treated differently from other royals.
Prince Harry’s Memoir and Royal Fallout
The release of Spare marked a turning point for Prince Harry. The book revealed personal details about his childhood, Princess Diana’s death, and royal family tensions. While some praised his honesty, others—especially within the palace—were reportedly alarmed.
Though Harry claimed he wasn’t attacking his family, the book deepened the rift between him, King Charles, and Prince William.
Ongoing Challenges and Hopes for Reconciliation
Despite recent challenges, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain committed to mental health, social justice, and humanitarian efforts through their Archewell Foundation. They’ve kept a low public profile, focusing on life with their children, Archie and Lilibet, in California.
Harry has expressed a desire to mend family ties, saying in a 2023 interview, “I would like to have my father back. I would like to have my brother back,” though he admits it will take time and effort from all sides.
Conclusion: A Royal Rift Still Unresolved
The Sussexes’ removal from Frogmore Cottage and the late recognition of their children’s titles highlight ongoing tensions with the royal family. Though some formal steps have been taken, Harry and Meghan’s emotional reactions show the wounds are still fresh.
As King Charles III leads a new chapter for the monarchy, many hope — but aren’t certain — that reconciliation is still possible.