Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s new home Frogmore Cottage ‘is exposed on all sides and could cost taxpayers £5million to beef up security’
PRINCE Harry and Meghan’s new home is “exposed on all sides” and needs massively beefed up security that could cost up to £5million, according to reports.
Cops chiefs planning round-the-clock protection face a headache to make the site safe by the time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex move into Frogmore Cottage next year.
The Grade II listed home, situated in the grounds of Frogmore House near Windsor Castle, is close to public roads and is shielded by walls only 6ft high.
Renovations are said to include annexes for police gun guards, although final plans for the building are being kept under wraps.
Last night Princess Diana’s former royal protection officer Ken Wharfe : “There is no protection at Frogmore, there is no one living there. There are costs of at least two or three private protection officers and to make sure the estate is policed adequately by Thames Valley Police.
“There will have to be major reviews of the security surrounding that property, exposed on virtually every side.
“It’s a mammoth task. The costs of fitting and maintaining security equipment, with further officers in the area, could cost further millions each year.”
As no one currently lives at the cottage there is no protection for the couple who are expecting their first child in spring.
At least two or three private protection officers will be required, included in the estimated bill of £5million.
The ten-bedroom cottage is situated 200 metres from a public pathway called the Long Walk which could compromise their privacy.
In certain areas, the only barrier between the property and public roads is a six-foot wall.
The local Thames Valley force, Met Police and royal protection teams will be needed for 24-hour security protection.
As a gift from the Queen, there is discussion of a panic room being installed for the couple, should security plans go awry.
Although most security measures are being paid for by the taxpayer, Harry and Meghan are expected to cover all decorative costs – which will include the instillation of two orangery extensions.
The couple are currently living in an apartment in Kensington Palace, where they were expected to stay, until they chose to live in the cottage on the grounds of Frogmore House.
Since it was announced Meghan and Harry would be moving to Windsor away from London, rumours have circulated that it could be due to a rift between Meghan and her sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge.
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