The Rich History of Frogmore, the Location for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding Reception
Like Prince William and Kate Middleton before them, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have two receptions for their May 19th wedding. The first one, a lunchtime reception hosted by the Queen, will take place at St. George’s Hall—the standard space for grand events at Windsor Castle. However, that evening, a smaller, more private gathering will occur at a more intimate venue: Frogmore House.
To some royal watchers, Frogmore House comes as a surprise. Early on, [reports surfaced] (https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/901707/prince-harry-meghan-markle-wedding-news-frogmore-house) that although Harry and Meghan wanted to celebrate there, aides asked them to pick a more “practical” option. Perhaps something changed, or perhaps the rumor was just that—a rumor. Either way, by choosing Frogmore House, the couple has chosen a place steeped in royal and personal history.
Unlike Buckingham Palace or even Balmoral castle, Frogmore House remains an elusive place for much of the public. It’s only open for three days per year during the spring. The rest of the time it’s a private property, tucked away from prying eyes, thanks to the 35 acres, and security, that surround it.
Frogmore House has been in the royal family for over 300 years, since King George III bought it for his wife, Princess Charlotte. Most famously, it was the home of Queen Victoria’s mother, the Duchess of Kent. It’s said that the English queen frequently found solace at Frogmore, and she is buried there alongside her beloved husband, Prince Albert.
Inside, the home is full of eccentricities: murals depicting Virgil’s Aeneid by French Artist Louis Laguerre, a “flower room” filled with wax and silk blooms, and the Black Museum, home to Queen Mary’s collection of black papier-mâché furniture. Then there’s the Britannia Room. After the Royal Yacht was decommissioned in the late ’90s, Prince Philip redecorated a space with his favorite artifacts from the ship.
Outside lies Frogmore’s vast garden, which is filled with lakes, and bridges, as well as over 4,000 trees and shrubs, including tulip trees and redwoods.
With its picturesque and dreamy manner, Frogmore House has played a significant role in royal love stories of centuries past. King George VI and the Queen Mother spent part of their honeymoon there, and Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips held his wedding reception there as well.
But most importantly, it’s become a special place for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
It’s said that during their courtship, the couple enjoyed summer picnics on the lawn away from the paparazzi and urban sprawl of London. Then it became the romantic setting for their engagement portraits when they posed on its steps, and later, released a third candid photo in which they were walking on its grounds.
Only 200 people will be invited to the evening reception at Frogmore House. They should consider themselves lucky, not only to be attending the royal wedding, but to bear witness to such a historic property.
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