A Royal biographer has revealed a flawed assumption made by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle which led to a fury and claims of vindictiveness. The assumption related to the gift of Frogmore Cottage, given to the couple in 2018 by the Queen as a wedding present.

The pair lived there from 2019 onwards until their departure for the US but expected to retain custody of the property despite their decision to step back from Royal duties. Given their decision to no longer act as working Royals, King Charles is understood to have taken back the property in 2023, leaving the couple without a Royal residence. Royal author Tom Quinn told the Mirror at the time: “Harry and Meghan imagined Frogmore would always be there for them even if they came back to the UK for just a few weeks each year and even if they were no longer working royals.

“At the time, few people realised what a slap in the face the eviction from Frogmore felt like for Harry – it was the last straw.

“Harry was absolutely furious and in tears about being evicted from Frogmore – he felt his father had no right to do it and that it was purely vindictive.”

Frogmore Cottage is a five-bedroom home within Windsor Castle which underwent a £2.4 million renovation in 2019 which the Sussexes repaid following their decision to move to the US.

Despite not living in the property for three years prior to their eviction, it is understood that the couple had assumed that they would retain ownership despite being based across the Atlantic.

Quinn continued: “Harry couldn’t see that choosing to stop being a working royal would inevitably mean being deprived of his royal residence.

“Harry took it as a cruel rejection – a painful reminder of all that he felt when his father fought with his mother during their long drawn out, painful divorce.

“For many Harry is just a poor little rich kid behaving like a spoiled brat, but Harry sees himself as the eternal victim.”

The couple confirmed in a statement in June 2023 that they would be vacating the property but gave no further indication as to whether they had expected to retain ownership as claimed by Quinn.

The statement read: “We can confirm the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage.”

In recent months, Harry has indicated that he would be open to reconciling with his father and brother who it is understood he has had no contact with for some time.