Meghan And Harry's New Canadian Home Is Massive
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked Great Britain and fans across the globe when they announced in January 2020 that they are stepping back as senior members of the royal family. The Queen was reportedly none too pleased about the decision, but her majesty and the couple were able to reach a positive resolution after talks with Prince William, Prince Charles, and other royal stakeholders. "As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from royal duties, including official military appointments," the Queen said in an official statement, while also noting that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will keep their titles, according to the BBC. "They will no longer receive public funds for royal duties."
Now that the dust has settled, Harry and Meghan have settled into their new life in Canada with their almost one-year-old son, Archie. This life includes their massive Vancouver Island home, which reportedly sits on the "shores of the Saanich Inlet of North Saanich, British Columbia," per Pure Wow. Although the Sussexes reportedly don't own the sprawling property outright, they've been enjoying the luxurious digs ever since they announced their departure from the royal family. So fire up the kettle because we're ready to spill the tea on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's seriously impressive digs.
How did the Sussexes find their abode?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's decision to split their time between North America and Great Britain centers around where they'll live. It's not like they can just shack up in an Airbnb somewhere, right? As it turns out, famed music producer David Foster reportedly helped find them a $14 million mansion owned by an unidentified party. "I felt honored that I was able to help Meghan there, because I'm a Canadian and we're a commonwealth country, we're the Crown's. It's important to us, so I grew up with that kind of sentiment," Foster told the Daily Mail. "I was really happy to be able to help them to find a respite just to take a little time off." He added, "The owner has allowed this to happen through me, and I was happy to facilitate. I don't know what their next plans are, but I know that it was reinvigorating for them to spend some downtime. This is a great testament to my hometown of Victoria that they were able to go under the radar for so long."
The Daily Mail has speculated the home — which boasts a wine tasting room, a two-story living room, a media room, eight bedrooms, and private beaches — is owned by someone who possibly runs in the same circles as Russian oligarchs and international billionaires. Hmm.
Security is key for the Sussexes
It's not clear how long the Duke and Duchess of Sussex intend to stay in their waterfront mansion, but for the time being, it sounds like they're doing everything possible to secure the home. And although the property was reportedly outfitted with security precautions before Meghan Markle and Prince Harry moving in, TMZ reported in February 2020 that the Sussexes recently had a security camera installed along the home's beach, complete with a "wandering lens." The duo also supposedly hung a giant tarp between trees on the property to obscure views from onlookers and the paparazzi.
In addition to beefing up security measures at home, the couple reportedly has "a team of up to 15 highly-trained close protection experts — including some Canadian 'Mounties' keeping watch over them 24/7," per The Sun. Mounties is a casual term for Canada's federal police force, in case you didn't know.
The security upgrades might seem overboard to some, but you can't knock the pair for playing it safe.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle are reportedly eyeing a new home
Considering Canada will be home for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for the foreseeable future, it's not too surprising they're reportedly eyeing a six-bedroom, five-bathroom home in the fancy neighborhood of Kitsilano in Vancouver. With a whopping price tag of over $35 million, the four-floor property clocks in at 12,297 square feet and features oceanview terraces, private gardens, and full-length panoramic windows, to name a few perks. "Meghan has expressed an interest in this beautiful house. It would be perfect for her, Harry and little Archie," a real estate agent supposedly told The Sun. "The neighborhood is known a haven for wealthy people and has a very laid-back atmosphere. I'm sure they would be very happy there, and they would be welcomed with open arms."
Best of all? The estate has one more key ingredient — security. "It's quiet and locals respect each other and value their privacy," another source said. "They'd fit in very well."
All in all, it sounds like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have plenty of incredible housing options in the Great White North. Happy house hunting!