This sudden departure has sparked a flurry of reactions and debates online, shedding light on the couple’s ongoing struggles in their new life. The resignation has prompted a wave of curiosity and criticism from netizens.
One user questioned, “Why do they need a Chief of Staff?? They’re private citizens, just like they wanted, right?” Another commenter echoed this sentiment, “I’m surprised he lasted that long.”
The overall response has been a mix of disbelief and disapproval, with some noting the situation as “super embarrassing” and others suggesting it indicates deeper issues.
Critics have been particularly vocal. One remarked, “I can’t imagine that anyone with any sense would have taken the job on in the first place!” and another hinted, “Doesn’t that tell you something.”
There has also been disappointment from those questioning the need for such a role now that Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals. One commented, “Why do they even have someone called ‘chief of staff’? They are not Royal anymore.”
Since relocating to California in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan have made only one return trip to the UK with their children. They visited in 2022 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. The couple also marked their daughter Lilibet’s first birthday at Frogmore Cottage, their former home in Windsor.
However, recent reports suggest that Frogmore Cottage, once a cherished family residence, now stands abandoned and empty. In 2023, the couple were officially asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage, which they had initially left behind when they moved to California in 2020.
This was just after Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” caused waves with its revelations about his family. Their spokesperson confirmed the move in a statement. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage,” he said.
The Grade II-listed property is nestled in Windsor Home Park, and part of the Crown Estate. It now remains untouched and unoccupied, according to updates from the Sovereign Grant briefing.
Palace insiders have revealed that there are no new occupants at the historic residence. On recent visits to the UK, Prince Harry has chosen the comfort of a hotel over returning to his former royal residence.
A palace spokesperson confirmed the ongoing vacancy, remarking that speculation about future residents of Frogmore Cottage remains premature. “During the year, Frogmore Cottage has remained empty. I don’t think, at this point, I would speculate on who will be the future occupants of the cottage,” the person said.
The Sovereign Grant, funded by taxpayers, was initially used to refurbish the property, costing around $3 million. However, as part of their move toward financial independence, Harry reportedly covered the renovation expenses, repaying the fund.
Even as the residence remains empty, it had been briefly occupied by other royal family members. The residence welcomed Harry’s cousin, before being left vacant. Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank stayed there shortly. They used it as their home before the arrival of their son, August, in February 2021.
At the time, a source mentioned that Frogmore Cottage continued to be the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ residence in the UK. Still, they were thrilled to share their home with Eugenie and Jack as they started their own family.
Harry and Meghan moved into Frogmore Cottage from Nottingham Cottage ahead of their son Archie’s birth in 2019. The property holds fond memories for the couple. They once expressed their gratitude for having an official residence on the estate, calling Windsor a “very special place.”
