Frogmore, with many actual frogs
Frogmore has, until now, been something of an overlooked royal property. But, as Harry and Meghan will discover, it has a rich history.
The cottage where they will live is set in the 14ha grounds of Frogmore House, the stately Georgian mansion where they held their wedding reception.
The house was built in the 17th century, most likely by Hugh May, one of Charles II’s favourite architects, and its first royal inhabitant was George FitzRoy, Duke of Northumberland, the king’s illegitimate son. In the 18th century, George III bought it for his wife, Queen Charlotte.
It was she who built the 10-bedroom Frogmore Cottage as a quiet refuge. Frogmore had its heyday during the Victorian period. It was where Victoria first met Abdul Karim, the Indian servant who famously fascinated her.
Karim stayed at the cottage, but Victoria was not at first charmed by the place, complaining about the “immense number of frogs” in the vicinity.
Despite this, she came to love Frogmore so much that she created her own mausoleum there — for Albert and then herself. Although the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be further away from the Cambridges, as well as Prince Charles, they will be closer to the Queen. She loves Frogmore and has often been seen walking her dogs in the grounds.
Harry and Meghan should keep the kettle on — Granny could pop round at any minute. —