I don't know why the poster upthread calls the £3 million+ cost to renovate Frogmore Cottage "nameless". It's not a "nameless" assertion it's based on the reports that emerged as soon as the confirmation of venue was, and includes enhanced security systems, landscaping that will give the house more privace, two parking lots, five small flats broken through to turn the place into a little "mansion" - it was already published in media that the Sussexes had put in a £50,000 "eco boiler". There is proabably roofing work to remove asbestos, fencing, re-plumbing, re-electricity setups.
You think you get that for, oh, £150,000? Look it up.
The Sovereign Grant folk only stated tersely that a "full accounting" would appear in due course in the SG published report for the year.
Kate's and William's apartments in KP were "renovated" (structurally) at an original estimate of £4 million, but naturally, it went way over, asbestos in the roof being a confirmed part of the renovations. I regret to state that instead of rioting outside at the cost for two already overprivileged young people, no one batted an eye.
Is The OBSERVER good enough for you?
"Kensington Palace announced that Prince Harry and Markle would be moving to Frogmore Cottage (located on the grounds of Windsor) last November, though the palace didn’t confirm any details as to when the couple would be making the abode their permanent residence. The home needs serious work completed before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex can unpack, as it is currently divided into five units that house royal staff, and is apparently in rather dingy condition.
But now we know that work is underway to convert the property back into a fancy 10-bedroom home, as according to documents seen by Daily Mail, plans have been approved to bring the place into regal shape so that Prince Harry and Markle can be completely moved in by the spring, before they welcome their first child.
Meghan is keeping in constant contact with the planning team. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
They’ll be removing one chimney, though there are strict and specific restrictions for protecting and preserving the historic nature of the home—for example, the roof must be repaired using the original materials, and the existing doors and frames must be kept unless an explicit agreement is made. Security concerns were also an issue, so procedures are being elevated before the Sussexes arrival.
They also look to have taken a cue from plastic-hating eco-queen Princess Eugenie, as the couple is reportedly installing a £50,000 (around $64,000) energy unit for heat, hot water and electricity.
Farewell, royal Cambridge neighbors. Stephen Pond/Getty Images
The home is a big upgrade from their current two-bedroom Kensington Palace residence, Nottingham Cottage, though their prior London home does have a few attributes Frogmore Cottage is lacking—it’s next door to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s palatial apartment in KP. But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex haven’t been particularly fond of spending too much time in their rather small Kensington accommodations—they’ve been mostly staying at their sprawling country estate in the Cotswolds, welcoming visitors like George and Amal Clooney, Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas, Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian."
