In Royal Lingo, Gifted Does Not = Ownership

All my thoughts on Harry and Meghan's "eviction" from Frogmore Cottage

In the February newsletter, I mentioned that the Sun was reporting Harry and Meghan were being kicked out of Frogmore Cottage, but I wasn’t sure if the report was true. Less than 24 hours later, we had confirmation: Harry and Meghan have indeed been asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage. The couple’s PR representative confirmed the news yesterday.

This story has sparked some confusion about the nature of the Sussexes’ ownership rights in the property. The Queen “gifted” the couple Frogmore Cottage when they married, which some people have mistakenly understood to mean transfer of title—actual transfer of ownership, like a wedding gift. But these properties in the monarch’s portfolio are never actually transferred to the recipient. They remain in the Crown’s property portfolio. The Queen “gifted” the couple the property in that she let them choose among various options and granted them a lease at a substantially reduced price.

Typically, royals who are granted these leases pay a fraction of what the going market rate would be, and they accept responsibility for expenses (utilities), upkeep, and desired refurbishments.

Calling this an eviction, though, is dramatic to say the least. It looks like Harry and Meghan are on a yearly lease. If you recall, there were news stories in March of last year that the Sussexes had chosen to renew their lease on Frogmore, which surprised many who thought they’d drop the property given their decision to fully relocate to the United States. So it seems the lease is renewed every year in March.

From my research, two months notice is about the amount given when the Crown does not intend to renew the lease. If the Sussexes’ lease renews every March, a January notice that they could not renew would make sense. I certainly do not think Charles reacted to Spare by “evicting” the couple. That would fly in the face of his clear strategy to be non-confrontational and welcoming, despite the abuse from his second son.

Instead, it is clear that Charles wants to cut costs and slim the monarchy. Harry and Meghan have voluntarily left their positions has senior royals, declared their intention to stay in California, and by word and deed fully alienated themselves from any real relationship with the royals. They also make almost no use whatsoever of the property. It sits vacant almost all of the time, and the Sussexes documented their return and the time they spent packing out their personal belongings in their Netflix series.

So although they want to maintain it as their own, probably more as a status symbol than anything else, it is clear it is not a functioning second home for them. It makes sense that the Crown would not continue to subsidize a spacious home for the two in prime royal real estate. If for no other reason, it looks excessive in the midst of the cost of living crisis and the Sussexes poll numbers are so abysmal and unlikely to significantly recover.

It also sounds like Charles has a genuine need for the home, since he wants to downgrade Andrew from the 30-room Royal Lodge. Again, Charles doesn’t owe the Sussexes a prime home sitting vacant so they can feel a little more royal while living their very separate lives in California.

It is not a highly unusual situation for the monarch to shuffle property. It is unusual for a senior working royal to be moved, certainly. No one expects William and Kate to be told they need to pack their bags out of their KP apartment or (during the Queen’s life) that Andrew would be asked to vacate the Royal Lodge, but as you drop down the pecking order, it does happen.

William and Kate’s beloved country home Anmer Hall, which was “gifted” to the couple when they wed, has had both royal and non-royal occupants over the years. It was leased to a James and Jayne Everrett in 2011 when the couple were reportedly asked to vacate the property early so renovations could begin for the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It was the right fit for royal newlyweds and its occupants at the time had to move along to accommodate the Crown.

Finally, there is the question whether Charles needs to repay the Sussexes for the cost of the refurbishment. It sounds like renovation costs are typically assumed by the lessee (which is generally the way most leases work). Those enjoying a royal lease are, after all, still getting an incredible deal on whatever home they occupy. And when the lessee is a senior member of the royal family already supported by Crown financing, the cost of the renovations are essentially carried by the Crown anyway.

Frogmore Cottage’s renovation is estimated to have cost about £2.4million, and, according to Emily Andrews, the Sussexes are estimated to have paid £630,000 of that back. We aren’t privy to the full financial arrangements of the royals. If the Palace feels it is fair to repay the £630,000 repayment, I assume Harry and Meghan will receive that money. Again, Charles is trying to maintain a very sympathetic attitude toward Harry and Meghan. That said, it is not usual for tenants to recoup improvement costs. Even in royal circles, for example, Andrew has spent many millions updating the Royal Lodge from which he is now apparently being pressured to vacate. I don’t think he can submit a bill for that. Money invested in these properties seems to be part of the lessee’s donation to a very, very sweet deal, as it is in the real world when the terms are not so charmed.

I think that answers most of the questions circulating right now. I have no doubt Harry and Meghan are upset. As I have mentioned, it is a status symbol to have a royal home ensconced in the prestigious Windsor Home Park, and it is certainly a massive luxury to maintain an entire home you might only use a few weeks a year, if that. So I am sure it stings to lose it, and it makes their fall from royal status all the more concrete. But that does not mean they are being asked to vacate in a vindictive way by Prince Charles. Everything about this seems practical and completely reasonable given all the facts.

If Harry and Meghan want to come home to visit their relatives, they can always stay as guests at one of the many spacious palaces in and around London.

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