It was 2016 when the Sussexes went on their first date. Love quickly bloomed and media caught the wind of it as well. In 2017, Prince Harry made the news of his relationship official, engaging Meghan Markle with a unique three-diamond ring. A modern royal wedding that millions of people across the world witnessed followed this. Royal protocols were amended for the happening event at Windsor Castle, costing more than $45 million. Since then, a lot has happened and the Duke and Duchess have moved from one house to another.

After the birth of their son Prince Archie, they decided to step down from royal duties in 2020. Citing privacy as one of the key reasons, the couple moved to Markle’s home country, where their daughter Princess Lilibet was born. Today, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have settled away from the limelight in Santa Barbara and are building a career in the entertainment industry. The $14.75 million home boasts 7.4-acre of property, tucked away on a private street. But this is just one of the lavish properties that served the Royals.

Harry and Meghan’s Previous Residences

Life in Britain as a royal means getting to live in a Palace. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first house together was at Nottingham Cottage, known as ‘Nott Cott’. It was also Prince Harry’s bachelor pad from 2013 until he married the Suits actress in 2018. Then came the Frogmore Cottage with a vegetable garden, built in 1801, where the couple’s reception was held. The house was gifted to them by the late Queen Elizabeth with a $2.4 million renovation. However, the Sussexes do not have the home anymore, since they stepped down from their royal duties.

Just years after the marriage, things began going south among the members. The couple eventually decided to step down from royal duties and slowly moved their base to the USA.

Current Residence – The Santa Barbara Property

After moving to the USA, the Duke and Duchess moved into their Montecito, California house that remains their main home. The couple purchased their Montecito home on their own, even securing a $9.5 million mortgage on it. Fans saw glimpses of their property through the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan. A rather homely abode, one of its rooms consists of a book stack, candles, and a plant with a beige wall at the back. Big plants, paintings, and light colors make the ambiance of their home.

A painting portrait of them and their son Archie was published, showing off their lush garden and a small playhouse. The 18,000 sq ft mansion is reportedly equipped with nine bedrooms and sixteen bathrooms. Adding to the coziness of the home are family photos and a touch of Britain with the tearoom, a tennis court, and a guest home. The lavish property sits in a neighborhood that is also home to Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, etc.

Privacy and Security Measures

Considering their status and the surrounding buzz, privacy was an important aspect for the Sussexes. Just like Princess Diana, a journalist reportedly tried to chase the couple recently. There were also reports of a lot of inside news getting leaked. This led them to take some strict measures for privacy, especially considering the safety of their children.

But the price of protection is quite hefty. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are paying anything between $2 and $3 million annually for their security. Despite living amongst some big names, their security is higher than the others, and is therefore called ‘Fort Knox’. Eight feet high walls only add to the security and the surveillance cameras. The security pretty much looks like the military and receives things on behalf of the royals. Meanwhile, the couple is also prepared to battle anyone, including the media, for wrongful intrusion.

Were you aware of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s residence? Let us know in the comments below.