When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made the monumental decision to step back as senior working members of the British Royal Family in early 2020, it sent shockwaves across the globe. Dubbed “Megxit” by the media, the move was a unprecedented break from centuries of royal tradition. Fast forward to today, and the couple has established a brand-new life in the coastal enclave of Montecito, California.
Away from the rigid protocols of Buckingham Palace and the relentless scrutiny of the British tabloid press, Prince Harry has been remarkably candid about his transition. Through high-profile interviews, a record-breaking Netflix docuseries, and his explosive memoir Spare, Harry has shared a vivid, deeply personal account of his new reality.
Here is an in-depth look at how Prince Harry views his life in America, his relationship with Meghan in their new environment, and the joy of raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The Road to California: Escaping the “Goldfish Bowl”
To understand Harry’s appreciation for his life in America, one must first understand why he left. The Duke has frequently described his former life in the UK as living in a “goldfish bowl”—a toxic mix of intense public scrutiny, institutional entrapment, and an intrusive press machine that he blamed for the death of his mother, Princess Diana.
Harry confessed that his greatest fear was “history repeating itself.” Seeing his wife, Meghan, suffer from severe mental health struggles under the weight of royal expectations and racist media coverage was the breaking point.Choosing America—specifically California—was not just a geographical shift; it was an emotional and psychological rescue mission. In the United States, Harry found the space to breathe, heal, and redefine his identity not just as a prince, but as a husband, father, and private citizen.
Life in Montecito: A Sanctuary of Privacy and Nature
The Sussexes settled into a stunning, multi-million-dollar estate in Montecito, a wealthy neighborhood in Santa Barbara known for its privacy and celebrity residents like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. For Harry, this home represents the ultimate sanctuary.
Unlike the historic but heavily guarded and public-facing royal residences in England, their California home offers a blend of luxury and normalcy. Harry has spoken fondly of the simple pleasures that the American landscape provides:
- Outdoor Freedom: Harry frequently mentions the joy of being able to take his dogs for walks on the beach or go for bike rides with his son, Archie—activities that would have been logistical nightmares and paparazzi magnets in the UK.
- A Sense of Community: In Montecito, neighbors respect their privacy. The local community treats them less like royal spectacles and more like standard residents, allowing them a semblance of a normal, unbothered daily routine.
- Connection to Nature: The expansive grounds of their home, complete with a chicken coop (affectionately named “Archie’s Chickin Inn”), allow the family to live an organic, indoor-outdoor lifestyle that Harry has come to deeply appreciate.
“To have outdoor space where I can go for walks with Archie, and we can go for walks as a family and with the dogs, and we can go on hikes or go down to the beach, which is so close… all of these things are highlights for me.”
— Prince Harry during his 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Partnering in a New Frontier: Harry and Meghan’s Shared Vision
Moving to a new country and cutting ties with one’s family is a isolating experience, but Harry has consistently emphasized that it has brought him and Meghan closer together. In America, they are no longer just a royal couple fulfilling duties assigned by the Crown; they are business partners, co-parents, and co-founders of their own empire.
The Archewell Foundation and Business Ventures
In the US, the couple launched Archewell, an umbrella organization that includes their non-profit foundation and their commercial media production arms (Archewell Audio and Archewell Productions). Harry has expressed immense pride in their collaborative work. From securing major deals with Netflix to producing thought-provoking podcasts, Harry and Meghan operate as equals.
Harry has frequently praised Meghan for her resilience and for opening his eyes to a world outside the royal bubble. He credits her with helping him unpack his own biases and trauma, noting that her strength gave him the courage to demand a better life for their family.
Raising Archie and Lilibet: A Different Kind of Childhood
Perhaps the most profound impact of Harry’s move to America is the environment it provides for his children: six-year-old Prince Archie Harrison and four-year-old Princess Lilibet Diana.
Harry’s childhood was defined by protocol, boarding schools, and the constant presence of photographers. In America, he is determined to give his children a childhood rooted in freedom, play, and emotional openness.
Harry is a deeply hands-on father. He has shared delightful anecdotes about his children’s lives in California. He has noted that Archie is full of curiosity, loves playing the piano, and is fully aware of his environment.
Princess Lilibet, named after her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and her grandmother Princess Diana, is growing up with a distinct American flair. Harry has remarked on her vibrant personality, noting that she inherited his red hair and her mother’s expressive eyes.
