After quitting their royal roles and the UK, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle headed to California and set up home in the exclusive town of Montecito – and those who live close to them have revealed what it’s like having them as neighbours
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s life in California is worlds away from that of their previous in the UK.
After dramatically quitting their royal roles four years ago, they’ve since set up home in the exclusive celebrity enclave of Montecito living in a huge nine-bedroom mansion complete with a swimming pool.
It is a marked change from their old UK pad of Frogmore Cottage, nestled in the Windsor estate, meaning their neighbours would have been their royal relatives. But in Montecito, they have a range of people living close by. And some of those living in the upmarket town have revealed what it’s really like having the couple live there – and admit they barely see them, especially Harry.
According to The Telegraph, Harry is only seen walking on the beach, riding his bike or occasionally heading out to dinner – accompanied by his security. Meghan too reportedly keeps a low profile, although is seen more often enjoying lunch with friends or shopping at a local market. And according to Richard Mineards, society columnist who lives close to the Sussexes, some living nearby are disappointed the couple are not seen out more.
He told the publication: ”The community is waiting for them.” He added: “They’re gnashing at the bit. The cachet of a Duke and Duchess. They live rather splendidly, it couldn’t be a nicer place. We have got a lot of very rich and very famous people here, and none of them have a security retinue like the Sussexes.”
Amid their Californian life, sources have also revealed Harry would not return to the royal fold unless he received an apology from his estranged brother Prince William.
The Duke of Sussex is focused on “making a success of his life” in the United States and maintains he is happy with his decision on choosing to quit his royal life, sources close to Harry suggest. However, it remains that he would be open to taking up a temporary role within the family to “help out” if he was asked to do so by the King.
Harry, 39, took aim at close members of his family and accused the King and Prince William of being desperate to leave the royal family if they could. William and Harry have not spoken for months and currently have no contact, choosing to stay apart from each other even when in the same room last month for their uncle Lord Fellows’ funeral in Norfolk.
Reports at the weekend suggested Harry had contacted a group of former trusted advisors as well as old pals to create a “blueprint” outlining how he might one day begin moving in UK circles again.
But The Mirror understands this is “far from his mind” and any contact with former aides would be “purely for strategic and friendly advice”, rather than any plot to return to the fold. Sources close to Harry say given the royal family’s position this year, with the King and Princess of Wales both forced to take extended periods of leave from duties due to cancer treatment, the Duke remains open and willing to assist, if he was called upon.
Friends of Harry say he is also determined to improve his relationship with his father, especially given his recent health woes. However, the Duke – who turns 40 next week – would still look for an apology from his warring brother if he was to represent the family in any capacity.