THE BUCKINGHAM Palace has advertised a key interior design job as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s former UK pad undergoes a makeover.
It was once home to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry – but after moving to California, the US, following Megxit, the duo were asked to vacate their ten-bedroom Frogmore Cottage.
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The duo handed over the keys in 2023 after ditching the UK for CaliforniaCredit: Alamy
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Fans got a glimpse of Meghan’s ‘beautiful’ new kitchen on their Netflix documentaryCredit: NEtflix
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The home has a ‘nicely done up’ living space – and Meghan and Harry called it home until they relocated to the USCredit: Netflix
The couple moved into the Windsor-based property in April 2019 after it had been extensively renovated to the tune of £2.4million out of the taxpayer’s pocket.
The renovations for the lavish pad were reported to have included a brand new heating system, wiring and utilities – which meant the historical residence had a “substantial overhaul”.
Following the release of Prince Harry’s memoir Spare, the two handed back the keys in 2023 and agreed to pay back the money for the refurbishment when they ditched the UK for California.
After Harry, Meghan and Archie left, it was reported they keys were handed to Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank – however, it’s been said the new tenants didn’t stay around for too long.
The property – which was the late Queen’s gift to the couple for the wedding – is now set to be rented out.
But those looking to see the estate in person can now apply for a Curtain Maker and Soft Furnishings Upholsterer position that’s advertised by the Buckingham Palace.
The year-long contract, which pays £28k annually, sees the perfect applicant ”undertake the production of varied soft furnishing and window dressing schemes, considering latest industry methods, quality standards, design and the timescales needed to ensure beautiful results every time”.
The person who will successfully land the job will also be ”involved in all aspects of a project, from design schemes and researching historic styles, to sourcing suitable materials and specific construction methods”.
The days are sure to be busy, as you’ll be working on a range of things – from existing soft furnishings to ”evaluating and recording the condition, before treating, repairing and conserving items sympathetically”.
To understand wider operational needs, the ideal candidate will have to liaise with colleagues ”to balance projects with the busy activities of the working palaces”.
Does your CV boast experience in ”skilled craftmanship”? And do you have ”a keen interest in historical furnishings”?
It’s worth applying, especially as the start date is November – which is right around the corner.
As this is a fixed-term contract running only for 12 months, you’ll also need to have excellent time-management skills, with tight deadlines to meet.
This comes after Palace sources revealed that the cost of the overhaul will not be revealed as it is “part of a five-year repainting and repair programme”.
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At a residents’ meeting, neighbours were given a list of “do and don’t commandments” which included:
- Don’t approach or instigate conversation if you see the couple
- Do say ‘Good Morning’ or some other pleasantry if they speak to you
- Don’t pet or stroke their dogs, even if they come over to you
- Don’t offer to walk their dogs
- Don’t ask to see baby Archie or offer to babysit
- Don’t post anything through the letterbox of Frogmore Cottage.
This also included royal staff, officials who live in grace-and-favour houses, as well as Crown Estate employees.
Meghan and Harry’s ex-UK pad now boasts a designer kitchen and refitted bathroom.