Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's new life in Los Angeles
Hillary Hoffower
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been living in LA since the end of March.
- So far, much of their time in LA has been spent in isolation as they ride out the pandemic with the rest of the world.
- It's allowed them to spend more time together as a family and plan future projects, but the move hasn't been without its struggles.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have traded in foggy days for sunnier ones.
They left London behind in November for Vancouver Island. But at the end of March, they fled to Los Angeles before Canada's coronavirus border closure.
So far, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's LA life has been one and the same with quarantine life. They've been under lockdown like the rest of the world, which has allowed them to devote more time to baby Archie and planning future projects and work.
But unlike the rest of the world, they've been isolating in a multimillion-dollar mansion. The move has also been a bit of a struggle, hampered by the public eye and the pandemic. They've been dealing with privacy and security issues, and Prince Harry has reportedly been feeling homesick and guilty while his father, Prince Charles, battled the coronavirus.
Here's a look at what we know about Meghan and Harry's LA life so far.
After announcing their royal exit earlier this year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to Los Angeles at the end of March when the pandemic hit.
LA is Meghan's hometown. The move put her close to her friends and her mother, Doria Ragland, who still lives there.
It happened around the same time the couple officially stepped back as working members of the royal family.
They reportedly moved to be closer to agents and studio heads. A source told Us Weekly the couple was "really excited" about the move: "This is something they've been hoping for and seriously planning for several months now."
But they've been having an issue with privacy while staying in LA.
Royal expert Katie Nicholl told ET Online that in Britain, there is "gentleman's agreement" between the press and the palace. When the royals were having privacy time, that was respected. That's not the case in the US, she said.
They also have to make their own private security arrangements in the US, whereas that was a royal privilege in the UK.
Perry's house reportedly comes with a security entourage, but they're still having privacy issues. They recently filed a lawsuit claiming photographers invaded their privacy when taking photos of Archie playing in their backyard. An LAPD officer also told US Weekly that the couple has been having an issue with drones flying over their home.
Meghan and Harry also installed privacy screens around the grounds after realizing hikers could easily see into the property, according to The Sun.
"If they had gone to LA hoping for a quieter life, where they could duck out of the spotlight, they were sorely mistaken," Nicholl said.
Harry reportedly feels upset about the harassment and guilty for being so far from home during the pandemic.
Nicholl said that it's been a difficult time for Harry because he doesn't have the support system in LA that Meghan does and faces pressure to build a new life for himself without it.
Harry felt "helpless" being away while his father, Prince Charles, was infected with COVID-19, a source told US Weekly. They said that the time difference makes it difficult for Harry to make regular calls to his family.
However, he has managed to get back in touch with his brother, Prince William. Nicholl told Insider's Friel that the physical distance between the two has helped them close their emotional distance.
"They have done video calls together, they have done a lot of family birthdays and I think with Prince Charles not being well, that really forced the brothers to pick up the phone and get back in touch," she said.
Since moving at the beginning of the pandemic, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been spending a lot of time in isolation.
"Like everyone, they are adjusting to [social distancing], being cautious and safe," a source told PEOPLE. They have been spotted stepping out in Beverly Hills wearing matching masks.
They've been ordering food from Whole Foods and Trader Joes, a source told US Weekly, which Meghan reportedly cooks since they don't have a chef during quarantine.
"It's a bit ironic because one of the things that was making Meghan unhappy about living in the UK was that she felt isolated and she missed her friends," a source told ET Online. "But now she's back in the US, which is what she wanted, but is isolated and can't see her friends."
Prince Harry has reportedly been dealing with cabin fever.
Even during quarantine, Meghan and Harry have been finding ways to help out their local community.
During Easter weekend, they distributed meals through Project Angel Food, a non-profit charity that makes and delivers meals to the critically ill who are high-risk groups for the coronavirus.
In June, they helped Homeboy Industries, a gang rehabilitation program, prepare food for the #FeedHOPE program. The program provides meals to food insecure seniors and youth in Los Angeles during the pandemic.
They've also been continuing to participate in global movements and charity efforts from home.
They spoke out on the Black Lives Matter movement, something they may not have been able to do if they were still working members of the royal family, Friel wrote.
Meghan recorded a speech for her high school alma mater to show her support. As part of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, they both partook in a video discussion about the fight for equality and challenging unconscious bias.
"We can't deny or ignore the fact that all of us have been educated to see the world differently," Harry said. "However, once you start to realize that there is that bias there, then you need to acknowledge it, you need to do the work to become more aware … so that you can help stand up for something that is so wrong and should not be acceptable in our society today."
Harry also gave special video message for the Opening Ceremony of the AIDS 2020 Conference.
And they've been using quarantine to plan the type of work and projects they want to take on in the future.
In June, they signed with the same speaking agency that represents the Obamas, Harry Walker.
They plan to give speeches on social issues such as racial injustice, gender equality, environmental concerns, and mental health, the Los Angeles Times initially reported.
They also plan to appear at events to promote their forthcoming charitable foundation, Archewell.
Despite the adjustment challenges that come with a big move, a pandemic, and a step back from royal duties, Meghan and Harry's LA life has reportedly helped their relationship.
"Their relationship is stronger than ever," a source told ET Online, adding that the lack of distractions and commitments has been helpful.
Once the pandemic is over, their LA life will probably look different. "They are still house hunting and I'm told they are looking for somewhere away from Beverly Hills, away from the Hollywood fray, where they can escape the spotlight and really give Archie an ordinary childhood," Nicholl said.
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