Before stepping back from their official roles and moving to the United States, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle called two different royal residences home.

The couple was first given Nottingham Cottage as their residence after tying the knot. Situated on the grounds of Kensington Palace in London, this cozy abode was intended to be their first marital nest.

However, reports soon emerged that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not entirely pleased with the “tiny” size of Nottingham Cottage. Seeking more space and privacy, they set their sights on a new home.

Their next move took them to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. According to royal biographer Tom Quinn, this seemed to offer an ideal escape from what they perceived as a relentless and critical media environment. The cottage was seen as “the perfect retreat” for the couple.

But in Quinn’s book, “Kensington Palace,” it is suggested that Meghan’s hopes for Frogmore Cottage may have been dashed. She reportedly likened living there to “being in the Russian steppe,” highlighting the sense of isolation she felt.

A source who spoke to the biographer claimed the estate’s “remoteness made Kensington seem like the centre of the universe.”

Mr Quinn penned how the transfer to Frogmore Cottage proved to be the “final straw” for the former Suits star.

Harry and Meghan received the residence as a present from Queen Elizabeth II and refurbished it – though the expenses were fully reimbursed.

A construction worker involved in the project informed Mr Quinn it experienced extensive alterations to mirror a “Californian condo.”

Meghan allegedly voiced her displeasure with the accommodation arrangements, stating: “I don’t want to retire to rural obscurity.”

Despite the assertions of a Royal biographer, Prince Harry revealed in his memoir ‘Spare’ that he and Meghan Markle cherished their time at Frogmore Cottage.

“We loved that place,” the Duke of Sussex stated, “From the first minute. It felt as if we were destined to live there.

“We couldn’t wait to wake up in the morning, go for a long walk in the gardens, check in with the swans. Especially grumpy Steve.”

Harry penned, “We met the Queen’s gardeners, got to know their names and the names of all the flowers. They were thrilled at how much we appreciated, and praised, their artistry.”

The couple held onto the keys to the cottage until 2023, and it is believed they stayed there during their 2022 UK visit with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

There is speculation that Harry saw the property as his “forever home.”

In 2020, the pair stepped back from their senior Royal duties and relocated to California, where they now reside with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in Montecito.

Their sprawling 16-bedroom estate is reportedly valued at around $30 million.

Meghan has previously described the property as a sanctuary for her family. She referred to her home as “calm and healing,” stating it gives her a sense of freedom.

In 2022, she told The Cut, “We did everything we could to get this house. Because you walk in and go … Joy. And exhale. And calm. It’s healing. You feel free.”