Cover The Montecito estate where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle filmed their Netflix documentary recently sold for nearly US$26 million. (Photo: Jim Bartsch, courtesy of TopTenRealEstateDeals.com)
The Montecito estate where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle filmed their Netflix documentary recently sold for nearly US$26 million. (Photo: Jim Bartsch, courtesy of TopTenRealEstateDeals.com)
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The California estate featured in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Netflix docuseries is back in the spotlight, as British tabloids spark fresh rumours of a royal return
Rumours are once again circulating in British tabloids that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be contemplating a relocation back to the United Kingdom with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. While these claims remain unconfirmed by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, attention has refocused on their California lifestyle, following the sale of the Montecito estate that served as the primary backdrop for their 2022 Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan.
Initially brought to market for US$33.5 million following the show’s release, the Mediterranean-style compound at 888 Lilac Drive was re-listed in 2024 for close to 30 million, before officially selling for US$25,957,000 on April 21, 2026. Contrary to widespread perception, the estate was never owned by the royal couple, who reside in a separate US$14.65 million Montecito home nearby. Instead, the 13,599-square-foot residence was rented by the production team to provide a dramatic setting for their on-screen interviews.
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The sunlit living space where Meghan Markle delivered key interview segments during the ‘Harry & Meghan’ Netflix docuseries.
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Built in 2006 on two acres of grounds, the six-bedroom property is engineered for both luxury and environmentally friendly living. Modern eco-friendly infrastructure includes solar power systems, a backup generator and a grey-water irrigation system alongside a five-car garage. The surrounding grounds feature a resort-style swimming pool, hot tub, citrus orchards, organic vegetable gardens and a chicken coop.
The grand Mediterranean-style facade of the Montecito estate.
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Located in one of California’s most exclusive enclaves, the property counts Hollywood figures like Oprah Winfrey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande as neighbours. Whether the Sussexes stay rooted in California or make a future return to the UK, the sale of this estate closes another chapter on one of the most talked-about settings in modern royal media history.
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The home was built in 2006.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to focus their efforts on humanitarian causes and media projects. Through the Archewell Foundation, the couple has remained active on the international stage—focusing on youth mental health advocacy, supporting refugee initiatives and championing veterans through the Invictus Games.
Alongside their ongoing multi-year output deal with Netflix, these efforts reflect the family’s intent on driving their personal brands and philanthropic missions forward on their own terms, regardless of where they lay their heads.
Credits
Photography: Jim Bartsh
Cyril Ip is the Features Editor at Tatler Hong Kong, where he shapes digital strategy, curates long-form features and drives trending cultural coverage across multi-platform digital experiences. He writes about culture, society and self-development. Having lived and worked across Hong Kong, mainland China and the UK, he brings a multifaceted background that spans media, music and publicity—including a four-year tenure as a culture and diplomacy journalist at the South China Morning Post.
