Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have now been married for more than a year, and have adorable son Archie Harrison, who was born in May. The Sussexes have plans to visit South Africa later this year, and have been getting used to life as a family of three. The couple lives in Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, not far from their wedding venue – St George’s Chapel.

However, Frogmore Cottage was not their first choice of home, as the couple wanted to live in rather a grander setting, according to the Sunday Times.

Meghan and Harry requested to live in Windsor Castle alongside Queen Elizabeth II.

The report, written by Rosa Nikkah reads: “The couple are understood to have set their hearts at first on Windsor Castle, and are believed to have asked the Queen if living quarters could be made available after their marriage.”

However, the Queen declined their request, and instead offered them Frogmore Cottage, in the grounds of Home Park in Windsor.

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Royal author Hugo Vickers explained why the Queen might have turned Meghan and Harry down when it came to living in Windsor Castle.

He said: “There are empty bedrooms and suites in the private apartments within Windsor Castle which the Sussexes may have had their eye on, or perhaps some former living quarters in the castle grounds converted into other things.

“But I can see how it might not be entirely appropriate to have a young family living there.”

Frogmore Cottage underwent extensive renovations for the Sussexes, as it had previously been staff residence – holding several apartments for royal workers.

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Renovations cost £2.4million in public funds for a “certain standard” of kitchen, bathroom, flooring and fitted furniture – with anything considered a higher specification added to by Meghan and Harry privately.

Sir Michael Stevens, Keeper of the Privy Purse, who is responsible for monarchy’s accounts, said of Frogmore Cottage: “The property had not been the subject of work for some years and had already been earmarked for renovation in line with our responsibility to maintain the condition of the occupied royal palaces estate.

“The Sovereign Grant covered the work undertaken to turn the building into the official residence and home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their new family.

“The building was returned to a single residence and outdated infrastructure was replaced to guarantee the long-term future of the property.

“Substantially all fixtures and fittings were paid for by Their Royal Highnesses.”

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Now the 10-bedroom Grade II listed house is home to Meghan, Harry and their baby son Archie.

Kensington Palace released a statement ahead of the Sussexes’ wedding which read: “As with all members of the Royal Family, Windsor is a very special place for Prince Harry and he and Ms Markle have regularly spent time there over the last year and a half.

“Prince Harry and Ms Markle are delighted that the beautiful grounds of Windsor Castle will be where they begin their lives together as a married couple.”

The area is also special for the couple as they celebrated their wedding reception in nearby Frogmore House.

Frogmore House is a 17th-century country house owned by the Crown Estate and has long been used as both a country retreat and place to entertain by the Royal Family.

It was also the location of the Queen’s grandson Peter Philips wedding reception after he wed Autumn Kelly in May 2008.

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