Meghan Markle’s Surprise Over Nottingham Cottage’s Size Fueled Royal Tensions
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle first settled into Nottingham Cottage, their residence on the grounds of Kensington Palace, Meghan was taken aback by its modest size. The couple’s new home, despite its prestigious location, left Meghan visibly surprised, as revealed in their Netflix documentary. She openly described the cottage as “so small,” a sentiment she later shared with TV host Oprah Winfrey during a visit, joking that no one would believe how humble the royal abode was.
This initial reaction to the cottage’s size reportedly became a source of tension within the royal family, as detailed in royal author Tom Quinn’s new book, *Yes Ma’am*. While Prince Harry appeared unfazed by the cozy dimensions of their home, Meghan’s dissatisfaction was seen as a point of contention. Royal insiders suggested that Meghan felt “belittled” by the situation, which shed light on a broader issue: Harry’s less prominent role within the royal family compared to his brother, Prince William.
According to a former royal staff member, Meghan quickly realized that Harry’s position was not as central to royal affairs as William’s. This realization marked the beginning of the couple’s growing frustrations with the royal institution, which would later play a significant role in their decision to step back from their royal duties. The contrast between their expectations and reality, starting with the size of Nottingham Cottage, highlighted the challenges they faced as they navigated life within the monarchy.
