Meghan Markle, Prince Harry believe Santa Barbara is their permanent home after ‘turbulent’ time: Report
'For the first time in a long time, they have a clear focus'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Meghan Markle and Prince Harry feel they are finally home.
After stepping back as senior members of the British royal family earlier this year, the couple first went to Canada and then spent several months in the American actress’ native Los Angeles. Most recently, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex purchased their first home in Santa Barbara, Calif.
A royal source told People magazine in this week’s issue that the move marks a “pivotal moment” for the 39-year-old former “Suits” star, the 35-year-old British prince and their 1-year-old son, Archie.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“This is their permanent home,” the insider told the celebrity magazine. “Ever since Archie arrived, everything has been so turbulent, and many things have been up in the air. It has not been easy, necessarily. For the first time in a long time, they have a clear focus.”
MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY ARE PITCHING TOP SECRET HOLLYWOOD PROJECT AROUND TOWN: REPORT
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation during their royal tour of South Africa on September 25, 2019, in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Toby Melville - Pool/Getty Images)
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The source noted that Santa Barbara would be the perfect place to raise their firstborn and give him a sense of normalcy.
“They both love California, and Santa Barbara has a magic to it -- the mountains, oceans, vineyards, flowers, gardens,” the source said. “It’s so beautiful.”
The family is close to Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“Archie is really happy, and he has some space to run free,” the insider explained. “The house came with a play structure that he’ll be climbing in no time. They’re excited to be there and to become part of the community. It’s a really happy time for them as a family.”
Earlier this month, a representative for the couple confirmed to Fox News that they purchased a home in the coastal city.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved into their family home in July of this year," a spokesperson said. "They have settled into the quiet privacy of their community since their arrival and hope that this will be respected for their neighbors, as well as them as a family.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at the annual Endeavour Fund Awards in London on March 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
In January, the couple announced they will take “a step back” as senior members of the royal family and instead they will work independently, splitting their time between the United Kingdom and North America.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said their decision came after many months of reflection and internal discussions.
"We have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution," the duo shared on Instagram at the time. “We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.
"We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honor our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages," the couple continued in the post. "This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}MEGHAN MARKLE REFLECTS ON MOVING BACK TO THE U.S. DURING RACIAL UNREST
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit a township to learn about Youth Employment Services on October 02, 2019, in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
The couple added they will continue to work with the reigning monarch, 94, as well as Harry’s father Prince Charles and older brother Prince William.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support."
They have kept their royal titles.