In re-reading the article, I think this is a nothing story. It's no surprise that the Harkles aren't coming back to live in or visit London, so it made no sense for them to keep paying on the lease for Toad Hall. It made even less sense for the house to deteriorate after spending so much money to renovate it up to modern standards. The cousins spoke to each other directly and came to an agreement, which was then run by HM. I doubt very much that anyone was "blindsided" by H & M not wanting to keep paying for a house they'll never inhabit. We had already speculated here on who might take over the lease on Toad Hall and the Brooksbanks were the mostly logical choice.

As for the timing of the lease being turned over to Jack and Eugenie, could it be coincidental to the Remembrance wreath not being laid for Harry and not a reaction to same? The cousins have stayed in touch over the time that the H & M left England, so it may have been discussed and approved months ago. Although the moving vans in the middle of the night does have me intrigued.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_Estate

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frogmore_Cottage

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