After stepping away from royal duties in 2020, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has found a new home in Montecito, California, alongside Prince Harry and their children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3. In a recent interview, she shared insights into how she has connected with the local community and adapted to life beyond the glare of the British royal spotlight. The move marked a fresh start for the family, who left the United Kingdom seeking privacy and a more ordinary routine—something Meghan emphasizes as vital to her current happiness. Now, the former “Suits” actress balances raising her kids with personal projects and friendships that anchor her in the everyday life of the town. The transition, she admits, wasn’t immediate, but recent years have allowed her and Harry to establish deep roots in the United States.
Life in Montecito stands in stark contrast to the years Meghan and Harry spent under constant scrutiny from the British press. The duchess explained that engaging with neighbors and joining local activities, like Pilates classes and mom meetups, has brought a sense of normalcy she deeply cherishes. Their $14.65 million estate, purchased in June 2020, provides ample space for the kids to play and the family to enjoy private moments—a luxury Meghan describes as a gift after years of exposure. The adjustment also involved her return to social media, with the relaunch of her Instagram account in January this year, signaling a cautious reentry into the public eye.
Harry has been a steadfast supporter in this new chapter. Meghan mentioned a promise he made that reflects their commitment to keeping their bond alive amid parenting duties and the demands of their charitable endeavors. The Archewell Foundation, which they founded, remains active, with recent efforts focused on supporting vulnerable communities across the U.S. As Montecito becomes the stage for this rebuilding, the duchess appears determined to prove that, despite their unique background, her family craves a life as typical as any other in the neighborhood.
New routine: community ties and simplicity
Settling into Montecito brought both challenges and rewards for Meghan. She shared that integration began through her children, Archie and Lilibet, who attend local schools and join playdates with other kids in the area. These interactions paved the way for friendships with local moms, ranging from stay-at-home parents to women with low-profile careers outside the public eye. “We first bonded over our kids, but now we hang out together, whether it’s dinner or a Pilates session,” the duchess said, underscoring how these relationships have helped her feel embraced after years of isolation tied to her royal role.
Their Montecito estate, boasting 7 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, reflects the comfort the family sought, but Meghan stresses that true home lies in human connections. The town, known for attracting stars like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, offers a blend of privacy and an active social scene, which the duchess fully embraces. The proximity to nature—near trails and the beach—also allows her and Harry to take the kids on outdoor adventures, a habit that has become a cornerstone of their daily life.
Social media comeback and personal projects
Meghan made a digital return this year, relaunching her Instagram account after nearly five years away. The comeback, marked by a photo of her strolling along Montecito’s beach, was a milestone in her journey of renewal. The account, now followed by millions, serves as a platform to share personal glimpses and highlight Archewell initiatives. In March, she posted a picture in the garden with Archie, reinforcing her image as a devoted mom seeking normalcy amid an extraordinary life.
Beyond social media, Meghan keeps her creative pursuits alive. Her 2020 Netflix deal with Harry led to the 2022 documentary “Harry & Meghan,” which chronicled their exit from royal life. Rumors swirl about upcoming projects, possibly including a series on their Montecito life. Meanwhile, Harry continues international trips, like his February visit to Canada to promote the Invictus Games, the event he launched in 2014 for war veterans.
Transition timeline: key steps in the move
Meghan and Harry’s path to Montecito unfolded through distinct milestones. Here’s a look at the major moments:
- January 2020: The couple announces their decision to step back from royal duties and pursue financial independence.
- March 2020: They initially relocate to Vancouver, Canada, before settling in the U.S.
- June 2020: Purchase of the $14.65 million Montecito mansion, cementing their move.
- October 2020: Launch of the Archewell Foundation, solidifying their philanthropic focus.
- January 2025: Meghan relaunches her Instagram, marking a new public phase.
This timeline highlights how the family gradually adapted to American life, with Montecito emerging as the ideal balance of seclusion and community engagement.
Life in Montecito: a glimpse into daily living
Living in Montecito has allowed Meghan to embrace a lighter, community-driven routine. She described how local friendships evolved from casual meetups to shared moments like dinners and group activities. “These are women with normal lives, and that makes me feel at home,” she said. The duchess also emphasized the importance of raising Archie and Lilibet in an environment free from royal pressures, a priority she and Harry have held since the move.
The family’s estate, surrounded by olive trees and featuring a vast outdoor area, is the perfect backdrop for this life. Locals occasionally spot Meghan at markets or strolling with the kids, always with discreet security in tow. Archie’s school, a progressive Montessori, aligns with the values the couple wants to instill, while Lilibet joins music classes in the area.
Harry bolsters this dynamic with unwavering support. Meghan revealed that a promise he made—to keep their romance alive despite challenges—has been a bedrock of their marriage. “He always finds ways to surprise me, and that keeps things fresh,” she noted, hinting at the strength of their partnership in this new chapter.
Community influence: bonds that reshape
Blending into Montecito has given Meghan a support network beyond her celebrity status. Her friends include moms who, like her, value simplicity, even in a town known for its high-profile residents. These ties have been crucial in making her feel part of something bigger, far removed from the weight of a royal title. Activities like gardening—a passion she nurtures at home—and casual neighborly gatherings fill her days with meaning.
The Archewell Foundation mirrors this community focus. In 2024, it donated over $2 million to California-based causes, including aid for struggling families. Meghan and Harry often attend local charity events, like a March fundraiser in Santa Barbara, showing that Montecito is more than a hideaway—it’s a place where they can effect change.
Family routine: balancing privacy and purpose
Raising Archie and Lilibet in a peaceful setting tops Meghan and Harry’s priorities. The duchess described weekends at home filled with garden playtime and family reading, a stark departure from the formality of their UK days. “We want them to have a normal childhood, with friends and freedom to explore,” she said. Montecito’s tree-lined streets and mild climate make this vision attainable.
Meghan also pursues personal hobbies that tie her to the community. She’s been spotted at a local bookstore buying children’s titles and joins an informal book club with other moms. These small acts reveal her quest for balance between her public persona and the private life she’s always craved.
Foundations of the new life: what sustains Meghan
Meghan’s rebuilding in Montecito rests on key elements. Here are the main pillars:
- Local friendships: Bonds with moms and community women bring everyday normalcy.
- Kid-centered routine: Archie and Lilibet anchor family life with local schools and activities.
- Projects with Harry: Archewell and Netflix deals keep the couple active and engaged.
- Controlled privacy: The estate and Montecito’s setting offer a secure retreat.
These foundations illustrate how Meghan turned a break from royalty into a chance to start anew. In Montecito, she’s found not just a home, but a fresh way to live.
Legacy in progress: impact beyond Montecito
While focused on family, Meghan hasn’t stepped back from her global influence. Archewell plans to expand in 2025, with initiatives targeting education and mental health—causes she and Harry have championed since their wedding. The duchess also stays connected to figures like Oprah, a Montecito neighbor who interviewed them in 2021, hinting at potential future collaborations.
Her social media return amplifies this reach. With curated posts, Meghan uses Instagram to showcase authenticity, from kid snapshots to resilience messages. This approach keeps her relevant, crafting a story of overcoming that resonates with millions worldwide.
