Prince Harry recently opened up about feeling ’embarrassed’ when revealing his London residence, Nottingham Cottage, to Meghan Markle.
In his newly released memoir Spare, the Duke of Sussex confessed that the two-bedroom cottage where he resided for six years was far from extravagant.
Despite his eagerness to share his living space with Meghan in the early stages of their relationship in 2016, he harbored concerns that it might not meet her expectations.
Upon Meghan’s arrival at Nottingham Cottage, Prince Harry felt a mix of excitement and embarrassment as she approached the modest abode.
Describing the dwelling as ‘palace adjacent,’ the royal expressed relief when Meghan displayed no signs of disappointment initially.
However, her perception shifted once inside, where she humorously likened the setting to a ‘frat house’ due to its low ceilings.
The prince admitted that he hadn’t previously noticed the shabbiness of the furniture, with Meghan particularly unimpressed by his beanbag chair complementing the brown sofa.
The couple later made minor upgrades by purchasing Ikea lights and a second-hand settee using Meghan’s credit card.
In a candid account, Prince Harry recalled feeling out of place during a tea invitation with the Prince and Princess of Wales, noting the stark contrast between Nottingham Cottage and their opulent surroundings.
Following their wedding in 2011, the royal couple resided in the quaint dwelling before relocating to the grand Apartment 1A within Kensington Palace.
Designed by esteemed architect Christopher Wren, Nottingham Cottage holds historical significance, having housed notable figures like Marian Crawford and Miles Hunt-Davis.
The property’s simplistic décor and cozy ambiance were emphasized by interior design expert Benji Lewis, who praised its accessibility and understated charm.
Nottingham Cottage’s kitchen, characterized by a traditional color palette and unassuming design, hinted at a practical and comfortable living space.
The subtle touches, such as a sheepskin rug and Union Jack placemat, reflected the couple’s personal style and affinity for pets.
In a significant move, Harry and Meghan transitioned from Nottingham Cottage to Frogmore Cottage on the Queen’s Windsor Estate, following extensive renovations.
Their decision to step back as senior royals marked a new chapter in their lives, away from the confines of Kensington Palace.
As depicted in their Netflix series, the couple offered viewers a glimpse into their everyday life, shedding light on the realities of residing in the intimate Nottingham Cottage.
Their candid revelations and shared experiences illustrated a relatable side to royal living, contrasting the public’s expectations with the couple’s genuine domesticity.
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