Harry and Meghan buy home on Santa Barbara estate

In August 2020, it was confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, had purchased a private residence in Montecito, an upscale community in Santa Barbara County, California. The couple had quietly moved into the property in July 2020 after spending several months living in a residence owned by Tyler Perry in Beverly Hills, where they stayed following their relocation from Canada earlier that year. The Montecito property was reported to be a large estate situated in a secluded area known for its privacy and security, a key factor in the couple’s decision to settle there with their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Public records indicated that the purchase price was approximately $14.65 million. The home is located in a region that has attracted a number of high-profile residents, offering a quieter environment compared to central Los Angeles. The move marked the couple’s first permanent home in the United States after stepping back from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family in March 2020. Their transition to Montecito coincided with the establishment of their Archewell organization and the pursuit of independent media and philanthropic projects. The purchase was widely reported in August 2020 and signaled a more stable phase in the couple’s relocation, following a period of temporary residences and heightened media attention. Montecito became their primary base for family life and professional activities in the United States.