Queen Elizabeth reportedly deemed it “inappropriate” for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to move into Windsor Castle

Meghan Markle had difficulty adapting to royal life, and there were rumors that she hưoped to reside at Windsor Castle with Queen Elizabeth. Although the Sussexes were provided Frogmore Cottage, it was believed that the Queen hoped they would value the lavish home, given they were not granted access to Windsor Castle itself.

According to royal biographer Katie Nicholl in *The New Royals*, the Queen had high hopes for Harry and Meghan to appreciate Frogmore Cottage. “The cottage was significant. The Queen’s entrance to her gardens is right next to their cottage,” Nicholl explained. “It essentially encroached on her private space and solitude. By gifting them Frogmore Cottage, she was sacrificing her own privacy. It was a generous gesture, and she hoped they would respect it.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry relocated to California in 2020. Despite the Queen’s gift, King Charles evicted them from Frogmore Cottage when he became king. Royal expert Tom Quinn suggested that the Sussexes were taken aback by this decision. “Harry and Meghan believed Frogmore would always be available to them, even if they returned to the U.K. for brief visits or were no longer working royals,” Quinn noted. “This assumption highlights the growing disconnect between King Charles and his son.”

When the Sussexes departed from royal duties, they lost several privileges, including their HRH status, security, and eventually their U.K. residence. According to reports, the eviction from Frogmore was particularly devastating for Harry. “The eviction was a severe blow for Harry – it felt like the final straw,” a source revealed. “Harry was deeply upset, feeling that his father’s decision was both unjust and vindictive. He perceived it as a harsh rejection, reminiscent of past family conflicts.”

Meghan Markle, now pursuing a career in Hollywood, was also caught off guard by the expectations of royal protocol. Michael Cole commented that the Queen was not concerned with the formalities of bowing or curtsying. “The Queen had such good manners that she wouldn’t have even noticed if people chose not to curtsy,” Cole said.

Lady Glenconner, a close friend of the Queen, remarked that Meghan was unprepared for the realities of royal life. “Meghan seemed to have underestimated what was expected of her,” Glenconner shared. “She may have thought it would be similar to her acting career, but living within the royal sphere is often very mundane, involving endless interactions with people you’ll never see again. It’s a tough adjustment, and I feel quite sad for Harry.”