Meghan Markle's 'surprise' at Kate and William's lavish home 'sparked tension'

The Duke of Sussex revealed he was embarrassed to show the Duchess of Sussex his home in his memoir, Spare.

The father-of-two wrote: "I was excited to welcome Meg to my home, but also embarrassed. Nott Cott was no palace.

"Nott Cott was palace adjacent - that was the best you could say for it."

In contrast, the Prince and Princess of Wales lived in Apartment 1A, a spacious 20-room house in the main building of Kensington Palace.

Later in Spare, the Duke of Sussex recalled being invited to have tea with Prince William and Princess Kate.

Harry noted he was "embarrassed" by how small Nottingham Cottage was compared to the future King and Queen's "museum-like" space.

Robert Jobson, a royal commentator, detailed Harry and Meghan's feelings on their home in his new biography, Catherine, Princess of Wales.

He quoted a close source as stating: "I am not saying Meghan was jealous, but she was surprised how lavishly Harry's brother was living compared to where they were living.

"It was perhaps the beginning of all the tensions between the couples."

Jobson wrote: "Meghan understood, of course, that William was in the direct line of succession, but she felt that Harry, as a royal prince, deserved more than he had."

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The couple later moved to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor - a 10-bedroom property - in time for the birth of Prince Archie in 2019.

In January 2020, the duke and duchess stepped back from their roles as senior royals.

By the summer of that year, Harry and Meghan settled in Montecito, California with their son, now aged five.

In June 2021, the Duchess of Sussex gave birth to Princess Lilibet in Santa Barbara.