Prince Harry and Meghan Markle unexpectedly renew lease on Frogmore Cottage ahead of Jubilee celebrations

HARRY and Meghan have made a surprise bid to return to the middle of Windsor life — by renewing their lease on Frogmore Cottage.

The unexpected move will ensure a royal backdrop plus material on tap for their Kardashian-style Netflix documentary.

It also means Harry, who is visiting the UK this week with his family, may be neighbours with his warring brother William.

The Sussexes will stay at the cottage for the Jubilee celebrations with son Archie, three, and daughter Lilibet, who turns one on Saturday.

Harry, 37, and Meghan, 40, spent an unhappy six months there before moving abroad in 2020.

But last month they extended their lease with a 12-month rolling deal at the property, a ten-minute walk from the Queen’s apartments.

It is currently empty as tenants Princess Eugenie and hubby Jack Brooksbank are in Portugal, The Sun can reveal.

Royal insiders believe the Sussexes, who have a £13million mansion in California, plan to spend more time in Windsor.

And that is set to cause dismay to William, who wants a move there with Kate and their kids.

One insider said: “It is quite a signal that they aren’t going to disappear. They could easily give up Frogmore as their life’s now in California.

“By agreeing to extend the lease, and with Jack and Eugenie focusing on Portugal, they have a firm presence smack bang in the middle of the Windsor court where it’s all happening. They can now come and go any time they please.

“The coming year could be one of the most tumultuous in royal history and the Sussexes are making sure they have a foothold in Windsor.”

Wills, 39, and Kate, 40, have viewed homes nearby ahead of a potential move this summer with George, eight, Charlotte, seven, and Louis, four.

William is barely on speaking terms with Harry after Megxit and shock claims made in last year’s Oprah Winfrey interview.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “Frogmore Cottage remains the UK home of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”