The royal Forgmore Cottage which would soon be Prince Harry’s new abode has an Indian connection. Years ago it found an Indian occupant whom Queen Victoria had selected with an open heart. Endearingly called her ‘Munshi’, he made it his own dwelling. He along with his wife even got the chance of sipping tea with the royal highness in that regal accommodation.
The 10-bedroom Frogmore Cottage was once occupied by one Abdul Karim, who was a confidant of Queen Victoria. It was the Queen who had gifted him the royal house after his arrival in England from Agra.
How had he happened to come to the British land? It was an interesting story. He arrived in London to present the Queen with a special gold coin famous as muhar in the year 1887. It was the royal monarch’s golden jubilee too. At that time, he was a 24-year-old man with complete Indian penchant.
The ageing monarch soon showered kindness over him by many gifts including Frogmore Cottage for his own use as he stayed in London. It was definitely a special gift to Abdul Karim, who left no stone unturned in decorating the house with several exotic things.
The British royalty not only bestowed presents upon him but she was also a frequent visitor to the cottage, set within the peaceful and secluded Frogmore House Estate near Windsor Castle. It is uniquely surrounded by 35 acres of lush green Berkshire countryside.
Providentially, the estate has its man-made lake known as Frogmore Lake. It was here that the burial remains of Queen Victoria exists. Though King Edward VIII ordered Karim to return to India, the unforgettable stories connected with Frogmore Cottage still spread through British ambiance.
It was recently pronounced that Duke and Duchess of Sussex would move to Windsor’s Frogmore Cottage and make their family home before spring of the year 2019.