Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from royal duties and built a new life in the United States.
Since then, many people have wondered where they live and what their home is like today. Interest in their private life remains strong, especially after their move to California.
Their residence has become a topic of public discussion, media coverage, and online searches. People want clear facts about their current address and living situation.
This article examines where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live now and offers a closer look at their home in Montecito, California, along with helpful background on their move and lifestyle.
How Prince Harry’s Move to the U.S. Unfolded?
Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from senior royal duties in January 2020. Within weeks, they relocated to Vancouver Island in Canada. That stay was brief. By March 2020, they had quietly moved to California.
In August 2020, the couple purchased a private estate in Montecito for approximately $14.65 million, according to California property records.
Unlike royal residences, which are Crown-owned or taxpayer-supported, this property is privately owned and financed through a mortgage.
That distinction matters. For the first time in his life, Prince Harry was living in a home purchased on the open market, at his own expense.
Why Montecito was the Strategic Choice
Montecito is often mentioned alongside places like Beverly Hills or Malibu, but it operates on a very different scale.
Located in Santa Barbara County, about 90 miles north of Los Angeles, it is known for large private estates, gated roads, and a long-standing culture of discretion.
Properties sit on multi-acre lots, often set far back from the street and shielded by landscaping, which naturally limits visibility and outside access.
The town attracts established wealth rather than constant entertainment traffic. High-profile residents live there, yet Montecito avoids the heavy tourism and nightlife that define other celebrity areas.
Montecito offered distance from royal structures, greater control over security, and a setting that supports privacy without isolation.
Prince Harry’s House in Montecito: Property Details
While the couple has kept most internal details private, public records, real estate reporting, and careful observation offer a clear sense of what the property includes and why it stands out.
Estate Size and Setting
Image Source: The Irish Times
The estate sits on approximately 7.4 to 7.5 acres, a significant parcel even by Montecito standards. This amount of space allows separation between the main residence and surrounding properties, enhancing privacy and comfort.
The grounds are landscaped with mature trees, manicured gardens, and buffered perimeter plantings that create a natural visual barrier.
Set against the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains and within a short drive of the Pacific coastline, the property offers a quiet environment that still feels connected to nature.
Its position in one of Montecito’s established residential enclaves means neighbors are well spaced, and there are no high-density developments nearby.
Architectural Style and Layout
Image Source: Forbes
The estate follows a Mediterranean-inspired design that is common in upscale Southern California homes, but it also incorporates features suited to its size and private use:
- Multiple wings and living spaces that allow for the separation of public and private areas
- Large windows and doors that emphasize natural light and indoor-outdoor flow
- Clay tile roofing and stucco exteriors that reflect regional architectural traditions
The layout is designed for both family life and hosting guests, with spaces that feel connected yet distinct.
Interior Features (Reported)
Although the couple has not released full interior photos, real estate sources and architectural reporting indicate the main residence includes:
- 9 bedrooms, which provide room for family use, guests, and staff as needed
- 16 bathrooms, giving flexibility and convenience in a large household
- Multiple formal and informal living rooms, designed for comfort and entertaining
- A dedicated home office or library space, useful for remote work and creative projects
- A chef-ready kitchen, with enough space for casual family meals as well as larger gatherings
These spaces are laid out to balance openness with privacy. Large common areas allow family interaction, while separate wings and rooms offer quiet corners when needed.
Outdoor Amenities
The outdoor areas are a defining feature of the property and align with California’s emphasis on exterior living:
- Extensive garden spaces: paths, seating areas, and plantings provide varied outdoor experiences
- A swimming pool with surrounding terraces for relaxation and sun exposure
- A tennis court, which adds recreational value and contributes to the estate’s self-contained feel
- Stepped terraces and patios, which make use of the land’s natural slope and connect different outdoor zones
Outdoor living has become a hallmark of upscale California properties, and this estate is no exception. The landscape design encourages movement between indoor comfort and open-air space.
Guest and Auxiliary Structures
Image Source: LATF USA NEWS
The Montecito estate is reported to include more than a single building. Auxiliary structures serve practical and social functions:
- Guest house: provides space for visiting friends or extended family while preserving the privacy of the main residence
- Pool house or outdoor pavilion: supports outdoor gatherings and offers a break from direct sun or weather
- Service areas and staff quarters: discreet spaces for maintenance or household support
These additional structures contribute to the self-sufficiency of the estate.
Privacy and Access Control
Image Source: Fox Business
Privacy is a central theme in the property’s design. The estate uses a combination of landscaping, fencing, and controlled access points to manage visibility and movement:
- Long private driveway that limits direct sightlines from the road
- Mature tree lines and hedges that screen the property from adjacent neighbors
- Strategically placed gates and fencing that offer layers of security without feeling fortress-like
This approach strikes a balance: the home feels open and welcoming for residents and guests, yet it remains difficult for uninvited attention to intrude.
Practical Considerations
Image Source: ANISAD Media
Unlike historic royal residences, this estate functions as a fully private home on the open market. That means:
- The couple pays private property taxes, not public or Crown funds
- Security is privately contracted and tailored to their needs
- Maintenance and staffing are individually managed, not provided by institutional support
Owning property of this size and profile involves ongoing costs that reflect both lifestyle and security priorities.
Inside Daily Life in Montecito
While the couple rarely provides interior access, limited footage from interviews and documentaries offers small glimpses. The aesthetic appears warm, neutral, and understated:
- Cream tones
- Natural wood finishes
- Minimal ornamentation
- Personal photography
- California casual styling
Unlike royal interiors, which emphasize heritage and tradition, this home reflects contemporary American design.
Their children, Archie and Lilibet, are being raised outside palace systems. They attend local schools. They participate in community events. The family reportedly shops locally and walks in private areas of the town.
Financial Independence and the Montecito Base
Stepping back from royal duties meant stepping away from traditional royal funding. After 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan shifted to a fully private income model.
From their home in Montecito, they built commercial partnerships, including a Netflix production deal, publishing contracts, and paid speaking engagements. Prince Harry’s memoir alone marked a major financial milestone in that transition.
Montecito serves as both a family residence and a working base. Its location near Los Angeles allows access to media and business networks without constant public exposure.
That structure reflects autonomy. Montecito supports not only their lifestyle but also their independent financial framework.
Comparing Montecito to Frogmore Cottage
Before relocating to California, Prince Harry and Meghan lived at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. The contrast between that royal residence and their current Montecito estate highlights how much their living situation has changed.
| Feature | Frogmore Cottage (UK) | Montecito Estate (California) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Owned by the Crown Estate | Privately purchased by Harry and Meghan |
| Location | Windsor, on royal grounds | Montecito, Santa Barbara County |
| Funding Structure | Renovations initially funded through public money (later repaid) | Purchased with private funds and a mortgage |
| Security | Covered under the royal protection system | Privately funded security arrangements |
| Institutional Ties | Directly tied to the British monarchy | No formal royal affiliation |
| Public Access Context | Located within a royal estate environment | Located in a civilian residential community |
| Lifestyle Structure | Embedded within royal duties and protocol | Independent schedule and private operations |
| Symbolic Meaning | Part of the royal framework | Represents autonomy and separation |
The Bottom Line
Prince Harry lives in Montecito, California, where he and Meghan Markle have built a private life away from royal institutions.
Their estate is more than a luxury property. It reflects independence, security planning, and a long-term commitment to raising their family in the United States.
Since purchasing the home in 2020, Montecito has served as both their residence and professional base. The move marked a clear break from royal housing and public funding structures.
For anyone asking where does Prince Harry live, the answer is firmly rooted on the California coast. If this clarified your question, check out our guide to other famous celebrity homes.