Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, live primarily in Montecito, California, where they raised their children away from intense media scrutiny. Their home base reflects a deliberate shift from royal duties toward a more private, family focused lifestyle in the United States.
Since stepping back as senior royals in 2020, their residence choices have signaled a blend of personal security, family priorities, and professional projects. The following sections outline key locations, housing details, and practical information about where the Sussexes live today.
| Residence | Location | Occupancy Period | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecito Compound | Montecito, California, USA | 2020 – Present | Family home and private retreat |
| Notting Hill Apartment | London, United Kingdom | 2012 – 2018 | Early married life and city residence |
| Kensington Palace Office | London, United Kingdom | 2015 – 2020 official duties | Official royal office and staff workspace |
| Frogmore Cottage | Windsor, United Kingdom | 2018 – 2020 | Prepare for transition and family expansion |
Montecito Compound And Family Life
The Montecito compound represents Meghan and Harry's current anchor, designed for long term stability in California. The property combines privacy with luxury, featuring ample outdoor space for their two children.
Property Size And Features
The estate spans several acres, with multiple residences, gardens, and secure fencing tailored to protect their family. Indoor amenities include home offices, a cinema room, and areas suited for both work and downtime.
Security And Privacy Considerations
Living in the United States requires significant investment in personal security measures, including staff, surveillance systems, and coordinated planning with local authorities. These protocols aim to balance safety with a sense of normal family life.
Neighbourhood And Community
Montecito offers a quieter environment compared with major urban centers, which aligns with their desire to raise Archie and Lilibet away from constant press attention. Proximity to trusted medical facilities and private schools is an added advantage.
Previous UK And Canada Connections
Before settling in California, the couple lived in London and Toronto, where they balanced royal obligations with early parenthood. Those years shaped their routines and informed later decisions about long term residence.
Professional Base And Philanthropy Work
Their Santa Barbara headquarters house Archewell, the media company and nonprofit initiatives they launched after stepping back from senior roles. The location supports collaboration with global partners while maintaining operational flexibility.
Remote Work And Media Projects
Ongoing documentary deals, interviews, and creative projects are often planned around their California schedule, allowing them to work from the same compound while managing international commitments.
Key Takeaways On Their Current Location
- Primary residence is a secure compound in Montecito, California.
- They moved from UK and Canadian residences to prioritize family privacy.
- Security arrangements are extensive and tailored to their public profile.
- Montecito supports long term stability for raising their children.
- Their professional base remains linked to the same California location.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do Meghan and Harry still own property in the United Kingdom?
They no longer maintain a primary residence in the UK, though they retain connections for family visits and occasional professional activities.
Why did they choose Montecito over other locations?
Montecito offered the right mix of privacy, climate, access to family, and infrastructure for security and schooling that matched their priorities.
How often do they travel back to the UK now?
Visits are infrequent and typically align with specific family or ceremonial events rather than regular stays.
Could they move back to London in the future?
While they remain open to keeping UK ties, there are no public plans to relocate their primary household back to England.