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Harry and Meghan may be forced to 'rip up' part of Frogmore Cottage

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 14: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend "The Lion King" European Premiere at Leicester Square on July 14, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Meghan and Harry at The Lion King premiere. [Photo: Getty]

They spent over £2.4m on turning Frogmore Cottage into their ideal family home, but now Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be forced to ‘rip up’ a part of the home.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did extensive landscaping as part of the renovations, including a garden.

But new reports suggest the couple changed their plans last minute, straying from what had originally been approved by the local council.

Instead they went with a new vision, which is now said to include a tennis or badminton court, according to The Sun.

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WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: A general view of Frogmore Cottage at Frogmore Cottage on April 10, 2019 in Windsor, England. The cottage is situated on the Frogmore Estate, itself part of Home Park, Windsor, in Berkshire. It is the new home of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. (Photo by GOR/Getty Images)
The only glimpse the public gets of Frogmore Cottage. [Photo: Getty Images]

However, this means the royals are now seeking retrospective permission from the council.

And if it’s not granted, it could mean they have to tear up their garden, adding more costs. The plans for the garden remain secret, with the project manager citing “national security” as the need for privacy.

“For reasons of national security, we would appreciate if this application could be treated as confidential and not be allowed to enter the public domain..." Ian Ratcliffe, project manager at the Royal Household, wrote in a letter to the Windsor and Maidenhead Council.

WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 17: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) A general view of Frogmore House in Home Park, Windsor Castle on May 17, 2006 in Windsor, England. Frogmore House was built in 1680-1684 and has been used as a Royal residence since 1792 when it was purchased by Queen Charlotte. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
A general view of Frogmore House in Home Park, Windsor Castle. [Photo: Getty Images]

It’s not the first time the couple’s demand for complete secrecy has made headlines.

The new parents received wide-spread backlash from media commentators and royal fans for wanting to keep Archie’s christening private.

Harry and Meghan also faced a lot of criticism for how much the renovations cost British taxpayers. Renovations were branded "outrageous" after it emerged that the work cost £2.4m.

Works included the rewiring of electrics, the replacement of ceilings and flooring, along with the addition of new bathrooms, bedrooms and a kitchen.

Harry and Meghan moved into their new home a few weeks before welcoming their first child. Frogmore Cottage had been undergoing renovations since last year to turn it from staff accommodation to a 10 bedroom family home.

It was announced last year that Harry and Meghan’s new official residence would be at Frogmore Cottage and that “Windsor is a very special place for Their Royal Highnesses.”