Royal family criticized for expensive Harry and Meghan project

The Windsor property underwent extensive renovations, which later became politically controversial after it emerged that approximately $3.2 million in public funds had initially been used for the renovation.

After stepping back from their royal duties in 2020 and moving to Montecito, California, the Sussexes made a full refund.

King Charles, 77, formally asked the couple to vacate the property in 2023, and it has been vacant ever since.

Sources now claim new work is being considered to remove elements linked to Harry and Meghan’s time in the cottage, reigniting the debate over royal spending and estate management.

A palace insider told us: ‘What is striking is that the anger being expressed is no longer really aimed at Harry and Meghan themselves. Most people have accepted that they left royal life years ago and built a new future abroad. The issue that provokes such strong reactions is the suggestion that even more money could be spent on a property that has already generated years of headlines, controversy and debate over costs.

‘There is a growing feeling among critics that this looks like a token clean-up operation rather than a truly necessary renovation. Frogmore has already been linked to millions of dollars in spending over the years, and people are now wondering why there seems to be a need for further investment simply to remove traces of former residents.

‘The estimated bill associated with effectively wiping away memories of the Sussex era has now risen above $4.3 million, which many consider an extraordinary amount.

‘At a time when households across Britain continue to feel the pressure of rising living costs and economic uncertainty, there are concerns that this could be perceived as completely excessive. Critics are already describing it as a vanity project that serves little practical purpose other than drawing a line under an uncomfortable chapter in royal history.

“The challenge for the Palace here is one of optics. If the public comes to believe that millions are being spent not because the property demands it, but because there is a desire to erase any association with Harry and Meghan, then it becomes very difficult to justify this. That’s where the frustration comes from. People want royal properties to be managed responsibly and efficiently, and not get caught up in what some will inevitably see as a costly exercise in image management.”