Located a mile from Windsor Castle, Frogmore House has been one of the Royal Family's favourite retreats for nearly three centuries. But the stunning Berkshire property has flown under the radar for some time, up until recent years.
Purchased by Queen Charlotte in the 1790s, Frogmore House was thrown into the spotlight in 2018 when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex tied the knot. After getting married at Windsor Castle, the newlyweds then headed down to Frogmore House for their intimate wedding reception, which was attended by their closest friends.
Following their wedding, Harry and Meghan moved into a cottage in the grounds of Frogmore House - Frogmore Cottage. The couple lived at the cottage until 2020, which is when they left England for the US.
Read more: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's new Windsor Adelaide Cottage will not have any live-in staff
From 2020 until very recently, Frogmore Cottage was inhabited by Harry's cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her family. Eugenie, her husband Jack, and their son, August, then moved out of Frogmore Cottage so that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could move back in during their visit to the UK for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations earlier this month.
This summer, Frogmore House will be opened to the public for a few days, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beautiful royal retreat, its gardens, and interiors. The house will be opened on August 30, August 31 and September 1 in the name of three different charities - the National Garden Scheme (August 30), Mothers' Union (August 31), and Guide Dogs (September 1).
This is not the first time Frogmore House has been opened to the public, but it is the first time in three years due to the pandemic. When the first lockdown hit, the Royal Collection Trust, which is responsible for managing the public openings of palaces and other royal buildings, had no option but to close its doors, like everything else.
For £10, visitors can explore 35-acre gardens surrounding the home, and are invited to bring their own picnic or buy refreshments on-site as they take in the views of the picturesque lake and gorgeous landscaping features. For an additional £10, tourists can enter Frogmore House itself, and see where Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent, once lived.
Ahead of the open house, the Royal Collection Trust said: "Built in the 17th century, Frogmore House became a royal residence in 1792 when it was purchased by Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III. Since then, successive monarchs have enjoyed the tranquil surroundings and delightful interiors.
"Although it is no longer an occupied royal residence, Frogmore House is frequently used by the Royal Family for private entertaining."
The Trust continued: "The design and planting scheme of the gardens today incorporates additions made under the direction of Queen Victoria and Queen Mary, as well as a number of trees and shrubs added to mark Her Majesty The Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977. Today, visitors can enjoy gentle garden walks and views of Queen Victoria's Tea House and the 18th-century lake.
Entry to Frogmore House is from 10am to 5.30pm, with last entry at 4pm. If you want to get tickets, you can do so by purchasing them directly from the charities involved, either in advance or by paying cash at the gate.
Garden tickets cost £10 (under-fives enter for free). Once inside the garden, a limited number of separate timed tickets can be purchased in cash from Royal Collection Trust to visit Frogmore House. Under-fives also enter for free when it comes to accessing the interiors of Frogmore House, whilst everyone else can enter for £10.
Let us know what you think of this story by logging in and dropping a comment down below.
Click here for more stories about the Royal Family.
