There really is no place like home for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as they settle into life as a family of three.
Indeed the new parents to baby Archie have uprooted their lives somewhat this year, with a big move to Windsor’s Frogmore Cottage being one of many changes the new parents have embraced.
There was just one catch – the historic home, which was split into five apartments and was previously used to house royal staff, was a little run-down.
But no need to fear – go-getter Meghan and her right hand man Harry were all over it from day dot, kick-starting a major renovation to get the structure family-ready well before the arrival of baby Archie.
And boy did they go all out – with a few extra bells and whistles added in between, it seems.
In a new report from PEOPLE, it has been revealed that the renovations on Frogmore Cottage have been “substantially completed”, with a breakdown of the fund spent on the renovation job being released by Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
The Queen’s annual Sovereign Grant, which allocates British taxpayer funds for royal expenses, covered AUD $4.3 million of the renovation costs.
But anything in the cottage gardens, or anything “movable” is understood to have been paid for my Meghan and Harry personally.
Speaking to the publication, a source revealed that the couple had tended to the outside of the the property recently, choosing to redorate exterior doors, windows and walls, as well as re-landscaping the garden.
PEOPLE also reports the pair added some extra garden lighting – perhaps just in case baby Archie decides to go exploring one summer evening!
Harry and Meghan’s new home of Frogmore Cottage underwent extensive renovations ahead of their move-in date.
(Twitter)The source explained: “All fixtures and fittings were paid for by their Royal Highnesses… Curtains, furnishings — all that would be paid separately, paid privately.”
As for the home’s interior, anything that is considered too expensive for the public to provide must also come out of the royals own pockets.
This could include a newly fitted kitchen and bathroom.
“If they want that higher specification, they have to pay the extra,” the source said.
Meghan and Harry splashed out on their new home with Archie.
(Getty)And before you ask, the taxpayer money did not cover the rumoured yoga studio which was touted to be included in the home’s extensive renos.
Indeed back in April, it was reported the Duke and Duchess would be adding a gym, yoga studio and baby nursery to the home.
While we’re sure the baby nursery was added ahead of little baby Archie’s arrival, there’s been no confirmation of a gym or yoga studio.
That being said, it’s no secret keen yogi Meghan is getting in her daily sun salutations – last week it was reported that she had taken to the spiritual and physical practice as a post-birth fitness routine.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, royal expert Kate Nicholl revealed: “That’s all Meghan has been doing. And lots of proud walks around Windsor Great Park, so gentle exercise, but no hard training, no weights.”
Meghan is bouncing back into yoga after giving birth to Archie, according to new reports.
(Getty)And additional yoga studio or not, there were plenty of other things involved in the Frogmore revamp to keep the couple busy.
According to PEOPLE‘s source, a large portion of the historic home’s ceiling beams had to be replaced because they were defective.
“The heating systems were outdated and inefficient and were not to the environmental standards that we would expect today,” the source explained.
“The electrical system also needed to be substantially replaced and rewired, even extending to the establishment of a separate upgraded electrical substation, which was in addition to the main works on the property.”
The overall job took around six months – no small feat!
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All in all, Frogmore’s renovation was a positive step for the couple, who will no doubt be enjoying their first few months with their newborn son Archie in the comfort of their new digs.
And with Windsor Castle just down the road along with a plethora of green space and fresh air, we couldn’t think of a better place for the young royal to be raised!
Harry and Meghan are raising Archie in a very plush setting, it seems!
(Getty)