Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly left their Montecito, California residence and are planning to return to the United Kingdom, raising questions about the future of their estate and belongings. The couple’s departure follows a summer holiday in Britain earlier this year, described by their spokesperson as “wonderful.”
The pair purchased their Montecito home in June 2020 for $14.65 million from a Russian businessman. The 18,600-square-foot property, situated on the Riven Rock estate, is valued by local real estate agents at approximately $40 million due to its sizable, mostly flat acreage. Industry experts anticipate that Harry and Meghan may opt for an off-market sale to avoid public attention, with interest already reportedly coming from potential buyers. Rental income for the property is estimated at over $100,000 per month. Sources familiar with the estate emphasize the ongoing upkeep demands, noting a full-time housekeeper, multiple gardeners, and other staff members maintaining the large property, including care for the couple’s “Archie’s Chick Inn” rescue chickens, which remain on site.
Locals in Montecito have expressed mixed sentiments about the couple’s departure. Wendy, a long-time resident and local store owner, remarked that while Meghan was consistently polite during visits, the family holds little social status locally compared to the United Kingdom, where their titles carry greater significance. Wendy also suggested that the move back to Britain could facilitate closer family connections, particularly for Harry’s relationship with his father and for their children, who speak with American accents and might benefit socially and educationally in England.
Contrary to reports that Prince Harry owned polo ponies, David Sigman, British general manager of the Santa Barbara Polo Club, clarified that Harry never owned his own horses at the club. Instead, he played on borrowed or rented ponies and had played on private fields owned by local billionaire Sarah Siegel-Magness, a Hollywood producer and polo patron. Siegel-Magness is recognized as a close acquaintance of the couple, along with cosmetics entrepreneur Victoria Jackson, who co-owns the Godmothers bookstore and was incorrectly linked to the couple’s luxury jet. The Bombardier Global Express jet they reportedly returned to the UK on is owned by a private charter company and not by Jackson.
Montecito residents generally appear indifferent to Harry and Meghan’s presence and exit. An assistant at a local clothing store noted that the couple’s impact was limited, quipping that Harry “learned how to surf” but implying there was little lasting local interest. She dismissed the idea of celebratory events or tours related to the couple’s tenure in the area.
With the couple’s move back to the UK confirmed, much attention remains on their next steps, particularly regarding family life and the disposition of their high-profile California estate.