Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry's special bond is no secret. It's even been rumored that the Duke of Sussex is Her Majesty's favorite grandchild, and her latest wedding present might just prove that rumor true.
According to The Daily Mail, the Queen has gifted Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, a beautiful home. The estate, named Adelaide Cottage, has been a longtime residence of royal family members, and it is the second house that the Queen has given her youngest grandson.
Until now, the newlyweds have lived together in Nottingham Cottage in Kensington Palace, but here's everything you need to know about Meghan and Harry's new home.
Where is it located?
Martin Brewster//Getty Images
Adelaide Cottage is nestled on the eastern side of the Windsor Castle grounds in Windsor, England, less than two miles from where the couple tied the knot in May.
Google Maps
According to The Sun, the picturesque home is part of Crown Estate's private 655-acre royal park. It is reportedly very close to the Queen and Prince Philip's private apartments.
Who has lived there?
Universal History Archive//Getty Images
In 1831, William IV, King of the United Kingdom and Ireland, built the estate to be used as a retreat for his wife, Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, The Daily Mail reports. It was then known as Adelaide Lodge.
However, in 1945, Group Captain Peter Townsend, moved in. Townsend would become the lover of Princess Margaret—the only sibling of Queen Elizabeth II. Townsend officially split from his wife in 1952, but Townsend and Margaret never married—doing so would have meant the Princess would have had to renounce all her royal rights, because Townsend was divorced.
Most recently, the cottage has been home to Simon Rhodes, son of Margaret Rhodes, who was first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.
What is it like?
Adelaide Cottage is a Grade II listed property, which means it has special architectural or historic interest, and is considered to be of national importance. Therefore, it cannot be demolished and is protected by law.
Matrix / MediaPunch
However, in 2015, the 19th-century home underwent renovation, according to multiple outlets. One of its most lavish rooms is the master bedroom, which boasts a coved ceiling with gilded dolphins and rope ornament from the yacht Royal George.
According to The Daily Mail, the home also has a marble Graeco-Egyptian fireplace, and seven gated entrances and exits to Windsor Castle so that "the newlyweds could come and go without worrying about being photographed." Official photos have not been released.
I’m Eileen, the digital news reporter at Hearst Digital Media. As a member of the newsroom, I report on a wide range of news, including entertainment, politics and lifestyle. I also cover red carpet events for over 20 of Hearst's magazine brands. I previously held positions at CNN, Facebook and MTV, where I worked as a digital producer, writer and on-camera host. Fun facts: I'm fluent in Spanish, a BU alum, and love fashion and travel.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qa3RqZyrq5KWx6Kt0WeaqKVfmLKtscGroK2xX6GutbHSrWaaamJqfnaAlW1mqaqZo7CmeceaqauxXaKyqLTAp2SmmaKguaZ5x6isrJ1dlrGmuMCim55lk6TBta3GnmY%3D