MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry are expected to move out of their luxury Cotswolds pad within a matter of weeks.
The former farmhouse, which is valued at an estimated £2.5million in the stunning Oxfordshire countryside, was meant to be leased to the couple for two years following their wedding last year. Located in the hamlet of Chipping Norton, the luxury retreat has given the Duke and Duchess of Sussex the chance to escape the pressures of royal life at Kensington Palace, where they live in a two-bedroom Nottingham Cottage. It was expected that the couple would keep the house after moving to Frogmore Cottage on the Queen’s Windsor estate this spring following Meghan’s pregnancy.
However, the couple are cutting their lease short, according to the Daily Mail.
Sources suggest that the sudden move is down to financial difficulties that have arisen due to the upkeep of both houses.
It is rumoured that building works alone at Frogmore are expected to cost up to £3million.
Although the renovations will be covered by Royal funds, the couple are now having to foot the bill for all the fixtures and fittings themselves.
Another source has suggested that money is not an issue for the couple but that security is the real reason for the sudden move.
The isolated yet extravagant home is near the increasingly popular Soho Farmhouse where many of Meghan’s friends socialise.
Owned by multi-millionaire Etonian Nicholas Johnston, this gorgeous abode lies just eight miles north-east of Chipping Norton, in the heart of the authentic British countryside.
Just over a decade ago, the 18th century farmhouse was practically a ruin, with decaying buildings and a burnt out farmhouse.
Since then, it has been transformed into a modern country getaway.
However, despite the Oxfordshire mansion having a total of six bedrooms, the house is situated in a remote setting leaving the couple open to security risks.
Although security measures have been put in place, the house is not as protected as Windsor or Sandringham.
Locals have also expressed their concern at the couple’s presence which has put extra strain on the local police.
Costs for guarding the Royal couple has been split between both the Metropolitan and Thames Valley police forces.
SOURCE: EXPRESS CO UK
