PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle were forced to move out of their Oxfordshire cottage after their privacy was invaded by a picture agency. 

As his damages case was heard in the high court today, the Duke of Sussex's lawyer said the Royal couple 'no longer felt able' to live at the property in the Great Tew estate, near Chipping Norton. 

Oxford Mail:

Press reports had previously said the couple had signed a two year lease in May 2018 on a four bedroom, Grade-II listed Cotswold cottage while they waited for their new home of Frogmore Cottage in Windsor to be completed. 

READ MORE: Picture agency agrees to pay Prince Harry 'substantial damages'

But after the Splash News and Picture Agency hired a helicopter to fly overhead and take pictures of the inside of the house on January 9, they no longer felt safe, the court heard. 

The couple eventually moved into Windsor in April ahead of the birth of their first child, Archie, last week. 

According to Country Living magazine, their previous home, an 18th century Cotswold cottage, featured a converted barn fitted with two kitchens and floor-to-ceiling windows that 'frame beautiful views of the countryside.' There was also a secluded outdoor heated patio for entertaining.

The 400-acre estate is home to various celebrities as well as the elite hang-out Soho Farmhouse and the annual Cornbury Festival.

Frogmore Cottage will now become the couple's primary residence and it is not known if they retain any property in Oxfordshire. 

Half a mile from Windsor Castle, the cottage has been fully rennovated at a cost of around £3million. 

Prince Harry returned to the county this week during one of his first official engagements since the birth of his new son. 

He spent the day visiting the children's hospital, Oxrad disability centre and the Barton Neighbourhood Centre. 

Splash admitted 'an error of judgment' and apologised to the couple and agreed to pay substantial damages. 

According to ITV's Royal Correspondent, Chris ship, the money received from the claim will be donated to charity.