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Frogmore Cottage staff let go in significant move by Harry and Meghan

Frogmore Cottage, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,
Frogmore Cottage staff have been let go according to reports. Photo: AAP

It looks like Harry and Meghan’s transition period might not end up involving the newly-renovated Frogmore Cottage, despite the pair saying they were keen to keep the home as their UK base.

Speculation around where the couple will settle permanently has been rife since they announced their shock step down earlier this month.

In their announcement, they specifically mentioned their desire to raise Archie in both the UK and North America though it has not been clarified where they will begin living in the immediate future.

Now The Daily Mail reports staff at Frogmore Cottage have been let go in an announcement described as a ‘shock’.

A source quoted by the publication said the ‘skeleton staff’, including two permanent employees kept on at Frogmore in the couple’s absence, had been moved to other duties, while other staff have also been relocated.

“This has all come as a bit of shock. They took great pride in working for them and being at Frogmore,” the Buckingham Palace source said.

Contradicting Harry and Meghan

The shocking development fuels increasing suspicion the royals will mainly live abroad going forward and flies in the face of the couple’s explicitly stated desire to hang on to the cottage.

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to use Frogmore Cottage – with the permission of Her Majesty The Queen – as their official residence as they continue to support the Monarchy, and so that their family will always have a place to call home in the United Kingdom,” the couple’s website reads.

January 9th 2020 - Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex and Duchess Meghan of Sussex intend to step back their duties and responsibilities as senior members of the British Royal Family. - File Photo by: zz/KGC-375/STAR MAX/IPx 2018 7/5/18 Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle The Duchess of Sussex attend the Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception at Marlborough House. (London, England, UK)
The move seems to awkwardly contradict Harry and Meghan's statement online. Photo: Getty Images

It comes after the Queen was left in the dark about the couple’s decision to announce their desire to ‘step down’ as senior royals, and released a short statement rebuking the couple’s assertion that the Palace was on board.

“Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage,” the statement began.

“We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.”

Queen Elizabeth in brown coat sits in car attending Sandringham church service
Queen Elizabeth called a meeting of senior royals to thrash out an agreement. Photo: Getty Images

The family has since met for an emergency meeting, and a more detailed statement was released by the Palace confirming the changes.

Still being thrashed out are details on the couple’s access to funding and titles going forward.

The controversy over Prince Andrew’s security details indicated the pair may not continue to have access to police security.

Canada calling

Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex disembark from their plane on their arrival in Suva, Fiji, Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are on day eight of their 16-day tour of Australia and the South Pacific.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth,Pool)
Speculation continues to surround the couple's home in the near future. Photo: Getty Images

Meghan shocked royal watchers when she returned to Canada after returning to the UK for just three days, during which time the announcement was unexpectedly dropped on the royal family and the public almost simultaneously.

While Harry has remained in the UK appearing for the first, and rumoured last, time in his royal capacity this morning, it seems it will be him returning to his wife and son rather than vice versa.

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