Meghan Markle’s California-style living room at cosy Frogmore Cottage is not what you’d expect

Although the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are fully assimilated into the Californian way of life at their Montecito home, they were already absorbing American culture well before they crossed the Atlantic.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received Frogmore Cottage, their Windsor residence, as a gift for their 2018 nuptials. It became Prince Archie’s first home as well as their marital residence.

Although the couple used it as a private retreat while they were residing there, they have since shared footage of the interiors as they chronicled their romance and difficulties dealing with the media for their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan.

In one, Meghan is seen gazing out of their living room’s large window, heavily pregnant. The room was adorned with textured paint that added dimension and depth, and the contemporary, minimalist furniture maintained the cozy room’s feeling of openness and space.

There was a cream sofa against the wall with scatter cushions on top, and another armchair on the opposite side of the glass coffee table holding a large hardcover book. In case that wasn’t sufficient seating for loved ones, they could also utilize the chaise lounge featuring wooden feet and studded accents.

The abundance of natural light further enhanced the feeling of indoor-outdoor living, which was enhanced by the indoor tree nestled in the corner next to the former Suits actress.

Even though their current £12 million nine-bedroom mansion is much more extravagant than their five-bedroom home, both have similar interior design.

Images of their current lounge reveal the same airy, neutral decor, with white linen sofas, monochrome Barloga Studios artwork, and cozy accents like Diptyque candles.

In an interview with The Cut, Meghan characterised the house as “calm and healing”.

“We tried everything to get this house,” she continued. Since you enter and proceed… Happiness. And release the breath. and composed. It is restorative. You experience freedom.”

Frogmore Cottage transformation

Built in 1860, the cottage is situated on the estate that houses Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and Edward VIII’s final resting places, the Frogmore Mausoleums and the Royal Burial Ground. Five different living quarters were converted into one spacious property.

Before relocating, Meghan and Harry used the Sovereign Grant to invest £2.4 million of public funds on renovations for Frogmore Cottage. This involved re-plumbing, replacing the heating, gas, and electrical systems, as well as the floor joists and ceiling beams.

But they fully reimbursed the loan when, as senior members of the royal family, they retreated and established America as their principal residence. Princess Eugenie, the cousin of Prince Harry, and her husband Jack Brooksbank used to reside on the property for a short while, but they currently divide their time between Portugal and the UK with their young boys, August and Ernest.