The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from full-time Royal Family duties on March 31 this year. Since then, Meghan and Harry have bought their first home in Santa Barbara, California. Experts have claimed the Montecito home is worth a staggering £11 million.
During a video call celebrating Meghan’s one year anniversary as a patron for charity Smart Works, fans spotted new details of the Sussexes home.
Behind the Duchess was an ornate grand stone fireplace, surrounded by extra decor.
A framed print was placed on the mantle, showing the cover for the sheet music of the California national anthem.
Next to the fireplace was a potted plant, which appeared to be a fiddle leaf fig.
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Meghan’s appearance on video marked the first anniversary of her partnership with Smart Works, which was a clothing line from the two.
Smart Set was a capsule wardrobe designed by the then-Royal to help women struggling with unemployment.
Meghan was joined by three women helped by the charity on the video call, and said “confidence” is the best accessory a woman can wear.
She added: “It’s the confidence, it’s what is built within, that is the piece that you walk out of that room with and walk into the interview with.”
Meghan also shared a glimpse at her and Harry’s new home in a video interview with activist Gloria Steinem.
The Duchess and Ms Steinem were filmed sitting in the Sussexes spacious garden under a tree.
Harry, in a call with the Rugby Football League, said he felt fortunate to have the space.
He added: “I am just unbelievably fortunate and grateful to have outdoor space and see my son be able to be outside, because I know so many people just haven’t had that opportunity in the last five months.”
Royal fans have also speculated on what changes Meghan and Harry will make to their home.
Vicky Charles, Soho House’s interior designer, was requested by the Duchess to use vegan and organic paint to redecorate Frogmore Cottage.
The Sussexes are also expected to renovate one of their guesthouses for Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland.
Speaking to news outlet US Weekly, a source close to the couple said: “They’re converting one of the guesthouses into a home for Doria, who plans to split her time between LA and Montecito.”
An inside source close to the royals claimed Harry and Meghan moved to Montecito after Los Angeles was not what they wanted.
A source close to the royals said to Us Weekly about the couples move to Montecito: “Moving there was always an option, but to begin with, she and Harry wanted to give Los Angeles a shot.
“Unfortunately, Harry absolutely hated it—the timing was so wrong amid the pandemic and they lacked privacy.”
The same source added: “Meghan visited Montecito in her teens and fell in love with the picturesque scenery and stunning architecture.
“An added bonus is that Montecito is only just over an hour’s drive from L.A., which is where a majority of their work is based, yet far enough away to escape the crowds, paparazzi, and tourism in Hollywood.”
