Harry and Meghan’s lavish new mansion in California has caused a stir after it was discovered to have cost the couple £11million. The Sussexes took out a £7million mortgage to buy the property in Santa Barbara, but royal fans were surprised at the expense considering the pair still owe UK taxpayers for the £2.4million renovations on their Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage. The pair are also still supported by Prince Charles for their first year of independence outside the Royal Family, and it is believed that he is paying for their extensive security costs.
Despite buying a house in California, it is still uncertain what Harry intends to do regarding his immigration status.
He is still a British citizen and it has been widely reported in recent weeks that he does not intend to get a green card through his American spouse or seek dual citizenship.
Interestingly, it was also claimed that his new mansion has been listed in Meghan’s name, rather than his.
US real estate journalists, Neal J.Leitereg and Jack Flemming, claimed last week: “Tax records for the 7-acre property, which was previously listed for as much as $34million [£26million], match limited liability companies previously created by the Duchess of Sussex, according to records obtained by The Times.”
Records show the seller was a limited liability company linked to Sergey Grishin, a Russian investor.
According to Canadian magazine The Kit, it is not that unusual to buy a property through private companies.
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“Harry inherited £15million from his mother, which would be much more if he has invested it wisely.”
The couple initially moved into Hollywood actor and producer Tyler Perry’s mansion in LA, but a source suggested that they had actually moved out of his property last month.
Discussing the Sussexes’ decision to buy their own house in Santa Barbara, the insider explained: “They intend to put down their roots in this house and the quiet community, which has considerable privacy.
“This is where they want to bring Archie up, where they hope he can have as normal a life as possible.
“This is the first home either of them has ever owned. It has been a very special time for them as a couple and as a family — to have complete privacy for six weeks since they moved in.”
A spokesman then confirmed that the couple had moved in July.
