Harry & Meghan: Montecito Living, Net Worth & Royal Journey

The lives of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to captivate global audiences, particularly in late 2025, as Meghan's recent Instagram posts offer rare glimpses into their Montecito life. These candid shares, coinciding with the excitement of the World Series, highlighted cozy family evenings in their home theater, underscoring their pursuit of simple joys amidst persistent whispers of potential residential changes ahead.

Five years after their significant decision to step back from senior royal duties, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have embarked on a remarkable journey, transitioning from the historic grandeur of London's palaces to the sun-drenched, expansive estates of California. Each deliberate move has consistently emphasized their unwavering commitment to achieving greater privacy and a semblance of normalcy for their family. With their combined net worth estimated to hold steady at $60 million, their properties not only represent significant assets but also embody a unique fusion of royal legacy and contemporary comfort, continually fueling public curiosity about where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reside today.

A Royal Legacy: Early Residences in the United Kingdom

Formative Years at Clarence House and Kensington Palace

Prince Harry's early life was intrinsically linked to Clarence House, the distinguished London residence of his father, King Charles III. This elegant Regency-style edifice, envisioned by John Nash in the 1820s, provided Harry with a sheltered upbringing steeped in tradition and royal protocol. His private suite within the residence, strategically located mere steps from Buckingham Palace, immersed him in the intricate rhythms of royal duty—an environment that would undeniably influence his later life choices and his eventual search for a different path. While not a family-owned property, Clarence House served as a significant backdrop, shaping the young prince's understanding of privilege and responsibility within the monarchy.

By 2012, Prince Harry had established himself in Nottingham Cottage, affectionately known as "Nott Cott." This relatively modest one-bedroom dwelling, situated within the expansive grounds of Kensington Palace, encompassed a compact 120 square meters. Following their engagement, Meghan joined him, transforming the intimate space—with its distinctive black-and-white checkered kitchen floor and comfortable lounges—into their initial shared sanctuary. The low ceilings and cozy corners of Nott Cott fostered a profound sense of closeness, even as intense media scrutiny began to envelop their lives. It was within these walls that the couple nurtured dreams of starting a family, a dream realized with the arrival of Archie in 2019. These early London homes offer crucial insight into where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle built their foundational life together, illustrating a couple striving to establish roots amidst extraordinary public and personal pressures.

Seeking Solitude: Countryside Retreats and Windsor Haven

The Cotswolds Escape: A Brief Taste of Rural Privacy

Subsequent to their celebrated wedding in 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan expressed a strong desire for respite from the relentless urban pace. They consequently leased a substantial $5.4 million Cotswolds estate, nestled in Oxfordshire's picturesque Great Tew. This acquisition afforded them a coveted taste of idyllic rural tranquility spread across four expansive acres. The charming stone cottage, complete with four bedrooms, a separate guest house, and a thoughtfully converted barn, frequently welcomed close friends, including notable figures such as George and Amal Clooney and Serena Williams. Its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows framed breathtaking pastoral views, ideal for peaceful strolls with their beloved dogs. Regrettably, this period of rural calm was abruptly disrupted by intrusive paparazzi photographs, which severely compromised their privacy and ultimately forced a relocation to Windsor, thereby bringing an end to their cherished countryside chapter.

Frogmore Cottage: A Chapter of Family Life

Frogmore Cottage subsequently emerged as their next sanctuary, bestowed upon them as a wedding gift by Queen Elizabeth II. This residence underwent significant transformations, converting five separate staff homes into a cohesive five-bedroom modern retreat situated within the historic grounds of Windsor Castle. The extensive renovations, costing approximately $3 million, introduced contemporary amenities such as a dedicated nursery, a sleek, state-of-the-art kitchen, a yoga room, and a comfortable guest suite. This harmonious blend of historical heritage and everyday warmth created the perfect backdrop for significant family milestones, including Archie's first cries and Princess Lilibet's early developmental stages. The Sussexes commendably repaid the full refurbishment costs themselves, demonstrating their commitment to financial independence. However, by 2023, amidst evolving family dynamics and their decision to permanently step back from royal duties, they vacated the property, symbolically concluding a poignant era of their lives in the UK. These various properties, pivotal stops in where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose to live during their transformative period, vividly illustrate their delicate balancing act between adherence to royal legacy and their yearning for personal liberation.

The Californian Chapter: Montecito's Grandeur

Montecito Mansion: Their Current Family Stronghold

As of December 2025, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's primary residence is a breathtaking Montecito mansion. Acquired in 2020 for a reported $14.65 million from billionaire Sergey Grishin, this expansive property, their first jointly owned home as a family unit, sprawls across a generous 7.4 acres and encompasses an impressive 18,700 square feet of meticulously refined living space. The estate boasts nine luxurious bedrooms and an astonishing sixteen bathrooms, including a primary suite featuring vaulted ceilings and a private balcony that offers serene views. For entertainment and wellness, the mansion is equipped with a comprehensive suite of amenities: a dedicated library, a private cinema room, an arcade, a rejuvenating sauna, a fully-equipped gym, and a convenient elevator. Outdoors, the property transforms into a verdant paradise, with sweeping lawns leading to a whimsical children's playhouse and treehouse, a private tennis court, a sparkling swimming pool, and meticulously terraced gardens adorned with fragrant rose beds, mature olive trees, and majestic cypresses, all contributing to a timeless Californian allure.

Recent public interest was further ignited when Meghan Markle shared candid videos from their home theater during the 2025 World Series. These glimpses captured joyful, popcorn-fueled family nights, a stark contrast to the rigid constraints of royal life and a clear indicator of their achieved domestic bliss. She candidly expressed her appreciation for the "luxury" of working from home setups, with her children close by, emphatically underscoring how this sprawling estate actively nurtures their blended family life. Yet, reliable sources indicate a certain restlessness with Montecito's comparatively quiet pace, suggesting Meghan may be contemplating a move closer to the vibrant buzz of Los Angeles to pursue new professional opportunities. Such a relocation would undoubtedly redefine where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle choose to live next, marking another pivotal transition in their ongoing narrative.

Whispers of Change: Future Prospects in Los Angeles

The Sussexes' discernible real estate odyssey, from the gilded confines of royal palaces to the sunlit expanses of Californian estates, profoundly mirrors their continuous evolution toward self-determination and the cultivation of authentic, heartfelt connections. Their estimated $60 million fortune, substantially built upon a landmark $100 million Netflix deal and Prince Harry's monumental $20 million advance for his memoir, Spare, not only affords these luxurious havens but also actively funds the impactful work of their Archewell Foundation. As they steadfastly defend their financial independence against critics, particularly in light of Archewell's most recent transparency report, the emotional weight of forging stability becomes palpable. It transcends mere wealth accumulation; it represents the hard-won refuge for their two young children, Archie and Lilibet, who are growing up under the perpetual scrutiny of the global stage.

Renowned real estate broker Ryan Malmsten, who meticulously tracks Montecito's dynamic market shifts, succinctly captures the bittersweet essence of this flux: "Buyers today are wanting way less square footage; they’ll pay the same amount but crave a smaller home, and that’s a big challenge amid the Meghan Markle Effect drawing eyes to our enclave." His insightful words resonate with a quiet understanding of how spaces must evolve to accommodate life's inevitable turns, much like the Sussexes' own unfolding narrative. Irrespective of whether they ultimately decide to remain rooted in their Montecito stronghold or venture anew into different pastures, their homes collectively whisper a powerful story of resilience, embodying a family's tender and resolute stake in an unpredictable, yet hopeful, world.

Financial Independence and Future Trajectories

The financial independence achieved by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle since stepping back from royal duties is a testament to their strategic acumen. Their combined net worth of $60 million in 2025 is largely attributable to substantial post-royal ventures. The cornerstone of this wealth is a reported $100 million deal with Netflix, enabling them to produce documentaries, films, and children's programming that align with their values. Additionally, Prince Harry's critically acclaimed memoir, "Spare," secured an estimated $20 million advance, quickly becoming a global bestseller and further solidifying their financial standing. Meghan's continued earnings from her acting residuals from "Suits," her successful children's book "The Bench," and their ongoing Archewell initiatives also contribute significantly to their financial stability. This robust financial portfolio has allowed them the freedom to choose their residences and fund their philanthropic ambitions, demonstrating that a life post-royalty can indeed be both independent and influential.

Decoding the Sussexes' Lifestyle: Frequently Asked Questions

Where Do Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Reside in Late 2025?

As of December 2025, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle primarily reside in their expansive Montecito mansion in Southern California. This $14.65 million property, their cherished home since 2020, offers an idyllic blend of privacy and luxury. Recent Instagram posts from Meghan, capturing relaxed home theater moments during the 2025 World Series, vividly portray a life of family bliss with their children, Archie and Lilibet. While this estate serves as their secure anchor, there are ongoing whispers of a potential relocation to a more vibrant area closer to Los Angeles, driven by the Duchess's desire for new professional and social engagements after several years of serene seclusion. The Montecito estate, with its impressive array of amenities including pools, tennis courts, and sprawling gardens, remains a symbol of their achieved autonomy and Californian lifestyle.

How Has the Sussexes' Net Worth Evolved Post-Royal Exit?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's combined net worth has solidified at an estimated $60 million by 2025. This significant financial growth is primarily attributed to their strategic commercial agreements forged after their departure from royal life. Key among these are the lucrative $100 million partnership with Netflix and Prince Harry's highly successful memoir, "Spare," which alone garnered a $20 million advance. Meghan's continued earnings from her past acting career (specifically "Suits" residuals) and her foray into children's literature with "The Bench," alongside their various Archewell ventures, consistently contribute to their wealth. The couple has actively defended their financial independence, particularly in light of Archewell's transparency reports, demonstrating their commitment to funding their projects and philanthropy while navigating public scrutiny with resilience and strategic insight.

Is a Return to the UK Imminent, or is California Their Permanent Home?

While their luxurious Montecito estate in California unequivocally feels like their permanent home in 2025, serving as the backdrop for countless family memories and private moments, the Sussexes' ties to the UK persist through occasional visits and their ongoing charitable work. The closure of their Frogmore Cottage chapter in 2023 marked a significant end to their official UK residence. However, Prince Harry's recent visits to the UK for events like the Invictus Games suggest that avenues for reconciliation and maintaining familial bonds may still exist. Meghan's shared glimpses into their serene Californian haven strongly indicate deep roots have been established there. Nevertheless, evolving family requirements, changing media dynamics, and shifting professional opportunities could potentially prompt a future that involves a hybrid approach to their residency. For the foreseeable future, California's welcoming embrace provides the autonomy they have actively sought, though their hearts may always hold a connection to their origins across the Atlantic.