Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly have no plans to sell their US mansion, according to an insider, but latest reports suggest the couple could rent out the Montecito property in California.
The 18,000-square-foot estate was purchased by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2020 after they stepped back from royal responsibilities. The property is private and gated, which was a major selling point at the time of their purchase, Page Six explained.
Insider says no one is moving in
Speaking to Page Six, an insider said: “No one is moving in. There are folks still maintaining the property.”
The 14.5 million mansion has nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, a swimming pool, a children's cottage, and tennis courts.
Possible return to the US
If the Sussexes keep the property, this could indicate plans to leave the UK for a period of time to return to the US. Recently, royal experts also claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are considering moving back to the United States if they are denied publicly funded protection.
Royal commentator Richard Eden is among the experts who discussed reports that Harry and Meghan could consider returning to California. Discussing the topic for the Daily Mail, Eden said he considered the couple's reported ultimatum as "akin to blackmail".
Security review under way
The couple only relocated to the UK in August, along with their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.
The Home Office is still conducting a review into whether the couple should receive taxpayer-funded security. This is understood to be something Harry has fought to have multiple times since he quit royal duty in 2020 and had his armed police protection withdrawn.
A few days after their return to the UK, Buckingham Palace issued a letter to Government officials and the military regarding the couple’s official status as non-working royals. The letter was issued by Buckingham Palace’s most senior officer, the lord chamberlain, Richard Benyon. A part of it read: “In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
Royal commentator warns of trouble
Veteran royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams previously told the Daily Express: “Harry’s royal standing may very well be affected by his and Meghan’s decision to come back to Britain, blindsiding the King and the Royal Family.
“Already there has been trouble, the ‘surprise’ the Sussexes have expressed over the letter sent out by the Palace about their status and their preference to be public figures rather than private citizens. These are harbingers of trouble to come.”
