Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to move back to the United Kingdom, ending a six-year residency in Montecito, California, that began with their departure in March 2020.
The Move to California and Montecito Life
After stepping back as senior working royals in January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan initially stayed on Vancouver Island in Canada before relocating to Los Angeles. According to Town & Country, the couple moved into a Beverly Hills mansion owned by filmmaker Tyler Perry after Canada announced it would stop contributing to their security costs. They later purchased a permanent home in Montecito, located in Santa Barbara County, seeking quiet privacy for their family.
During their time in California, the couple pursued independent media and philanthropic projects, including a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021 where Harry cited a lack of support from the royal institution and intense pressure from the British press. Town & Country reports that the couple also released a Netflix docuseries and Prince Harry published his memoir, Spare, detailing further tensions with the royal family.
Frogmore Cottage Eviction and UK Ties
Following their wedding, Queen Elizabeth gifted the couple Frogmore Cottage, which they refurbished using the Sovereign Grant before later repaying the total cost. However, according to Town & Country, King Charles requested that the Duke and Duchess vacate the property in 2023, and Buckingham Palace confirmed they officially moved out that June.
Despite losing their primary UK residence, the family maintained contact through intermittent visits. In June 2022, they traveled to the UK for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, and returned again that September for the Queen’s funeral. Prince Harry also made several solo trips, attending King Charles’s coronation in May 2023 alone while Meghan remained in California with Prince Archie on his fourth birthday, according to Town & Country reports.
Recent Reunions and Return Plans
Now, the Sussexes are preparing for a permanent transition back across the Atlantic.
Did you know? Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet became a prince and princess automatically under 1917 Letters Patent when King Charles ascended the throne, and their titles were officially confirmed by Harry and Meghan during Lilibet’s christening in Los Angeles in March 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave the UK initially?
According to interviews given by the couple and reports cited by Town & Country, they stepped back in March 2020 due to a lack of institutional support, relentless pressure from the British press, and a desire to achieve financial independence.
Where did the Sussexes live in the United States?
After staying temporarily in Vancouver Island and later at Tyler Perry’s Beverly Hills mansion, Prince Harry and Meghan purchased a permanent home in Montecito, California, located in Santa Barbara County.
What happened to Frogmore Cottage?
Queen Elizabeth originally provided Frogmore Cottage to the couple, and they repaid all renovation costs. However, Town & Country confirmed that King Charles requested they vacate the residence, and Buckingham Palace confirmed they officially moved out in June 2023.
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