How Meghan Markle is finally living her American dream: the ‘Princess of Montecito’ visits Oprah Winfrey, spends weekends at the polo, and celebrated the 4th of July with Prince Harry in Wyoming

Jul 14 , 2022

Meghan Markle seems to have carved a picture perfect life for herself and Prince Harry in America. Photo: Getty

Two years since Meghan and Harry bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth, Prince William and Kate Middleton back at Buckingham Palace, LA life is a little different

The couple’s Spotify and Netflix deals may not have gone as planned, but they’ve made new pals like Katy Perry, Serena Williams and the ‘David Beckham of polo’, Nacho Figueras

It’s hard to believe it’s been a quarter of a decade since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shocked the world when they stepped down as senior royals in the UK to start a brand new life in sunny California.

The former royals now live in a US$14.7 million nine-bedroom mega mansion in Montecito, Santa Barbara, close to the sights and sounds of Los Angeles, with their two children: son Archie, three, and daughter Lilibet, one.

Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared their first photo of baby Lilibet Diana, seen here with the couple and older brother Archie. Photo: Alexi Lubomirski

Long gone are the days of royal engagements and drama at Buckingham Palace. While their deals with Spotify and Netflix haven’t exactly gone according to plan, Meghan and Harry are still making the most of their time stateside. These days, the pair are regularly seen dining at fancy local restaurants, hiking up the hills and hanging out at the ultra-exclusive Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club.

Montecito, US, is known for its A-list neighbours and as one of the nation’s wealthiest places to live. Photo: Trulia

In fact, while Markle has been slowly carving out a new lifestyle for herself in the US, locals have apparently dubbed her “The Princess of Montecito”, according to Closer.

Here’s why Markle certainly seems to be living that American dream life she left the UK for.

The Fourth of July celebrations

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle watching the fireworks. Photo: @hrhofsussex/Instagram

Nothing says “all-American family” like attending a Fourth of July parade, and that’s exactly what Harry and Markle did with son Archie.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stunned onlookers by unexpectedly showing up at a patriotic Fourth of July parade in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where they were photographed sitting on the pavement as they watch the procession of floats, cowboys and rodeo girls pass by.