Why Queen Elizabeth blocked Harry, Meghan's attempt to move into Windsor Castle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may now enjoy life under the California sun, but before their 2020 departure from royal duties, the couple lived briefly on the Windsor Estate and reportedly made a housing request that was deemed entirely “inappropriate”.

Following their 2018 wedding, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were granted Frogmore Cottage by Queen Elizabeth. But according to new claims, Frogmore was not the Sussexes’ first choice.

Reports from the time suggested Harry and Meghan had initially asked if they could live inside Windsor Castle itself. The request, which would have placed them within the private apartments historically reserved only for the monarch and Prince Philip, was allegedly “firmly” rejected by the Queen.

Royal historian Hugo Vickers told The Times: "There are empty bedrooms and suites in the private apartments which the Sussexes may have had their eye on, or perhaps some former living quarters in the castle grounds converted into other things.”

“But I can see how it might not be entirely appropriate to have a young family living there." The late Queen reportedly discussed her decision with her cousin, Lady Elizabeth Anson.

Writing in Vanity Fair, Katie Nicholl revealed that Lady Elizabeth said the monarch viewed the gift of Frogmore Cottage as a significant gesture.

Lady Elizabeth is quoted as saying: "The cottage was a big deal. The Queen's entrance into the gardens is right next to their cottage. It is essentially her backyard, her solitude, and her privacy. She was giving that up in gifting Harry and Meghan Frogmore Cottage. We all thought it was very big of her. She said, 'I hope they'll respect it.'"

RELATED: Why Meghan Markle called Kensington Palace as 'a prison before fleeing to Windsor