Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have moved out of Montecito after six years, sparking fresh curiosity about the life they built in California.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in California with high hopes for their future following their royal exit. Now, as they embark on a new chapter in Britain, former neighbors offer a different perspective on the period they’ve left behind.
Harry and Meghan’s arrival in Montecito in 2020 created quite a buzz among the wealthy enclave. Fast-forward six years, and signs of their presence are already fading.
The Sussexes resided behind the private gates of the Riven Rock neighborhood in Montecito, known for its large estates and secluded properties. Their home became the family’s American base for six years. | Source: Getty Images
At Godmothers bookstore, located about three miles from the couple’s former $14.6 million residence, Meghan’s “As Ever” products once filled a room upstairs. According to the Daily Mail, the decor included oak tables, eucalyptus branches, and a sign indicating the space was “decorated by the duchess herself.”
By late August, however, the selection had dwindled significantly.
Only three boxes of Meghan-shaped flower glitter remained, priced at $15. The “As Ever” sign was gone, and an employee commented, “Oh, we don’t sell that anymore,” appearing initially unaware of the brand.
Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” reportedly disappeared from the shop as well.
Harry’s memoir, ‘Spare,’ was released in January 2023 and detailed his grievances with the royal family. The book became a major element in the public fallout following his royal withdrawal. | Source: Getty Images
Neighbors Say Sussexes Kept Their Distance
The atmosphere around the former Sussex residence has also changed. The paparazzi, who once gathered outside the property, have disappeared.
A neighbor, referred to as Susan, stated that Harry and Meghan “never integrated into the community.”
Montecito, located near Santa Barbara on California’s coast, has long attracted wealthy and famous residents. The arrival of Harry and Meghan drew even more attention to the area, including paparazzi nearby. | Source: Getty Images
She recalls occasionally spotting Harry on an electric bike and Meghan driving by in a Range Rover, but notes that these encounters were brief.
Susan shared that she left a bottle of wine at the couple’s gate to welcome them to the neighborhood, only to have it returned unopened the following day.
“I’m not sure they ever wanted to hang out with anyone who wasn’t a billionaire, famous, or both,” she remarked.
Harry and Meghan appeared together in Melbourne during a four-day visit to Australia in April 2026. Their public engagements continued even as their years as Montecito residents drew to a close. | Source: Getty Images
Another neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, described their departure as “a quiet exit, not a dramatic one.”
“There were no moving trucks, no parties, nothing at all,” this neighbor remarked. “One day they were here, and the next they were back in England.”
Harry and Meghan arrive at the National Museum of Australian Veterans’ Arts in Melbourne in April 2026. Neighbors said they saw much less of the couple during their years in this Californian town. | Source: Getty Images
An anonymous source went further, claiming that “Harry and Meghan are known for befriending people who could help them. Sarah is one of those people. She is wealthy and owns plenty of polo horses.”
Harry’s Friends Expected Something Different
Friends who have seen Prince Harry upon his return to Britain expected “expressions of remorse and humility.” Instead, an anonymous source revealed to the same media outlet that they heard something very different.
Prince Harry exits the Royal Courts of Justice in London in January 2026. His return to Britain has reignited interest in his relationship with the royal family after years of public disputes. | Source: Getty Images
“They were eager to learn if he was still angry with members of the royal family, that he was still frustrated with the ‘men in grey suits’ surrounding his father, and that he was still awaiting an apology,” explained the source.
The source also noted that Harry’s stance remains virtually unchanged since he stepped down from royal duties in 2020.
Prince Harry attends the annual ‘Founder’s Day’ parade at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London in June 2019, prior to stepping back from his royal duties. His life as an active member of the royal family would dramatically change the following year. | Source: Getty Images
“From what we’re hearing, Harry won’t be issuing any public apologies anytime soon,” the source stated. “Far from it, in fact. He is still in this ‘Oprah’ mindset.”
Harry’s desire for an apology echoes what he publicly stated in 2023: “What I really want is for accountability. And an apology to my wife.”
The source indicated that the influence of Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, continues to weigh heavily on this family conflict.
Princess Diana cradles young Prince Harry during a family vacation in Mallorca, Spain, in August 1987. Decades later, a source stated that Diana’s legacy continues to influence Harry as tensions with the royal family persist. | Source: Getty Images
“He certainly won’t be making any public apologies for his actions, and he has again become quite distressed; Diana’s legacy plays a role in this,” the source explained.
This decision also aligns with previous reports suggesting that the Sussexes intend to maintain connections to the life they’ve built in California.
The Sussex’s California Life Isn’t Ending
Despite the move, the Sussexes are not giving up the life they built in the United States. They are expected to keep their Montecito home and also their secondary residence in Portugal, while organizing a more stable rhythm between multiple international bases.
This means Meghan can continue to manage her lifestyle business, As Ever, while Harry gains more time in Britain for his charitable endeavors. Organizations such as Scotty’s Little Soldiers, WellChild, and the Invictus community are set to benefit from his increased presence.
Those close to the couple believe this arrangement allows Harry and Meghan to adopt a model that resembles the “half in, half out” approach they initially envisioned before leaving royal duties. They can remain financially independent while spending considerable time in the country where Harry grew up and where many of the causes he champions are located.
Their acquaintances also assert that the Sussexes have constructed the independent life they aspired to: they support themselves, pay their bills and mortgage, and do not rely on taxpayer funds.
Archie and Lilibet Appear Central to This Decision
A hint about Harry’s mindset may have emerged nearly a year prior to the family’s return being made public. Singer Joss Stone previously recalled a conversation she had with Harry during the WellChild Awards in September 2025 after she returned her own family to Britain after several years in Nashville.
“He asked how we were adjusting to going back and was genuinely interested in our re-adaptation,” Joss told Hello!. “He is just very warm and down-to-earth, as always. Maybe Harry will return too. That would be lovely.“
Harry seemed to hint at a possible return more than a year ago when discussing the advantages of British schools, community life, and family life with Joss Stone. These remarks now seem far more revealing in hindsight. | Source: Getty Images
What seemed to pique Harry’s interest was what returning to Britain had meant for Joss’s children. “He was talking about how wonderful the schools are here and how important community is for children,” she recalled.
“It was nice to share that with him because that’s exactly what made us want to return: for the kids to grow up surrounded by family, friends, with a strong sense of belonging, and most importantly, in a safe environment.” As Archie and Lilibet prepare to attend school in Britain, these comments take on significant meaning in retrospect.
A Summer Visit Seems to Have Changed Everything
The Sussex family’s return follows a successful summer trip to the UK, which reportedly included the first reunions between Archie and Lilibet and Charles in over four years. Meghan and the children flew in from Portugal after Harry had spent several days fulfilling charitable commitments in Britain.
The family then had a private meeting with Charles at Highgrove House. They later visited Althorp House, where Princess Diana spent much of her childhood and where she is buried.
One of the most personal reasons behind this announced return is the desire to spend more time with King Charles III. Harry has openly discussed his wish to reconcile with his father, making the timing of this decision particularly significant. | Source: Getty Images
Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet spent time with extended family members and reportedly paid respects to Diana at her grave situated on the Oval Lake’s islet. The Sussexes also traveled around Britain for several days.
Meghan later shared holiday photos showcasing lakeside views, beaches, and pools, which now appear to offer an unexpected early glimpse of a family gearing up to spend much more time in the UK.
Harry’s Security Battle Remains Central to the Story
Security has long been a barrier to Harry being able to bring his family back to Britain for extended visits. When he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties, they lost their taxpayer-funded police protection.
Harry has spent years challenging this arrangement, arguing that the royal family and government security committee should conduct a new risk assessment. He has claimed that such an assessment has not occurred for over six years.
In this context, the decision to move to the UK suggests that Harry now feels much more comfortable about bringing Meghan and the children for longer stays.
However, a spokesperson for the duke and duchess declined to comment to People about the issue of security. The family has previously faced repeated questions about where they would stay during visits to Britain and what protection they would receive.
Sources close have reportedly labeled these speculations a “circus.” Having their own residence appears to alleviate at least one major source of uncertainty.
A new residence in the UK would allow the Sussex family to spend more time with their loved ones and for the children to attend school in Britain. | Source: Getty Images
Even before the news of the move became public, Harry was scheduled to return to the UK in September for commitments related to WellChild, the children’s charity he has supported for over two decades. He is also expected to remain highly involved in events related to the Invictus Games.
A significant event is on the horizon: the first edition of the Invictus Spirit Awards and its accompanying gala, although the Sussexes’ acquaintances have not confirmed whether Harry and Meghan will attend.
This move might offer Harry what he hasn’t had for years: the ability to engage more regularly in British charitable activities without every trip being overshadowed by discussions regarding his temporary accommodation.
King Charles III Was Informed Just Days Before the Announcement
Charles, 77, was reportedly informed of Harry and Meghan’s plans on Sunday, August 16. The king is said to be delighted at the prospect of spending more time with the Sussex family. This news comes after a period during which Harry has gradually rekindled his relationship with his father.
Nevertheless, Charles reportedly made one thing clear: Harry and Meghan’s official status within the monarchy will not change. They remain private individuals and non-working members of the royal family, in line with the agreement made when they stepped back from official duties. This distinction helps clarify one of the most interesting details regarding their return.
King Charles III was photographed at the RHS flower show in Sandringham in July 2026. The following month, CNN reported that he was looking forward to having more time privately with the Sussex family. | Source: Getty Images
Prince William Is a Different Story
While Harry’s relationship with his father seems to have improved, his relationship with Prince William remains strained. Despite speculation that tensions between the two brothers may have eased, People understands that there is still “no contact” between them.
“I thought it might have smoothed over by now, to be honest,” a source close to the family said in July. “But there has been no change, especially from William’s side.”
The relationship between the two brothers has been tense for years, with tensions escalating after Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, their Netflix series Harry & Meghan, and Harry’s memoir Spare, which was released in 2023.
This move may bring Harry physically closer to the royal family, but it wouldn’t necessarily mean the end of all strained relationships. The rift with Prince William reportedly still persists. | Source: Getty Images
The Sussexes left Britain in 2020 as their estrangement from other royal family members became increasingly public. Their return does not necessarily imply a large-scale royal reconciliation. Instead, it seems to represent something much more specific.
The Sussexes Already Have a Support Network Awaiting Them
Harry still has a large circle of long-time friends in Britain, while Meghan has her own connections. Her university friend, Lindsay Jill Roth, splits her time between London and Chicago with her husband and their two sons. Harry and Meghan have also remained close to Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank.
Harry and Meghan remain close to Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, which provides them with an important familial link to Britain. This relationship could become even more significant as they settle into the UK. | Source: Getty Images
Eugenie and Jack divide their time between Britain and Portugal, meaning both families now have homes in these same two countries. This could offer Archie and Lilibet an additional familiar setting as they get used to spending more time in Europe.
