Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have returned to the UK, but that doesn't mean they've moved permanently. It's been widely reported that the couple, who have settled in the Cotswolds, are waiting to learn whether their request for taxpayer-funded protection has been approved before making any major decisions. In the meantime, the Sussexes have shown no attempts to rent out or sell their multimillion-dollar mansion in Montecito.
California ties remain strong
And now, as Meghan launches As Ever's Christmas 2026 advent calendar, it's clear that she and Harry remain just as dedicated and in love with their Californian lifestyle. Retailing at $148, Meghan's limited-edition calendar has been curated in collaboration with Los Angeles chocolatier Comparté. According to As Ever's website, it's "inspired by Meghan's Montecito home and garden" with the flavours drawing "from California's fresh bounty".
The calendar is beautifully packaged, and the 24 handcrafted chocolates sound absolutely delicious - albeit expensive. But it also shows that Meghan's brand will forever be rooted in the kind of sun-kissed Californian lifestyle she's embraced for the past six years, and for most of her life. It's a key, if not the most important, component of the brand's identity.
Business and personal demands
At the same time, she's busy cosying back up to her ex-Hollywood friends in the UK. But Meghan and Harry can move to the UK and start a new life in the Cotswolds, but they've already got a lot of business demands and responsibilities back in the US. Surely, they'll have to travel back and forth to keep up with projects? Archewell's offices remain across the pond, while As Ever is based in Beverly Hills, and a Zoom call can only achieve so much.
On a personal note, Meghan is a loud and proud California girl, and most of her closest friends, including Kelly Zajfen and Abigail Spencer, as well as her mum, Doria Ragland, are based in the US. Meghan and Harry have likely planned to host their friends and family in the UK, but it may not be long until the duchess feels homesick and begins flying over to the US more regularly.
Questions over the move
Of course, there's also the long-awaited decision regarding the Sussexes' taxpayer-funded protection. When the couple first announced they were moving back to the UK, many Brits - myself included - were surprised by the choice. And that's simply because it didn't seem like a practical or even logical move. After asking for privacy in the US, suggesting that the UK was not a safe place for their family, and receiving no word on the outcome of Ravec's review, the decision to return immediately felt bizarre.
