You can take the girl out of California, but you can't take California out of the girl! At least that's what it seems like amid reports that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are looking into buying a home in Malibu, California.
Rumors that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were looking to add some United States real estate to their portfolio came earlier this spring, ahead of Archie's birth. It's not a huge surprise that Meghan would want some roots in her home state, but the news that they've narrowed down the location makes the possibility that much more real.
Meghan was born in Los Angeles and resided there, attending Hollywood schools up until she went to Northwestern University. She returned to California after getting her degree. She would eventually split her time between LA and Toronto after landing her role on Suits. Now it seems like Archie will get a taste of that LA lifestyle with mom and dad's potential purchase.
It seems like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are itching to head out west. It isn't another vacation, or even a business trip, however. Reports are suggesting that Harry and Meghan are looking to buy a home in Malibu, California.
The Sun first reported that Harry and Meghan were looking at homes in California last spring, just before the couple welcomed their son, Archie. "Meghan definitely wants a place in Los Angeles — she loves the city, the lifestyle and climate," the source explained.
Meghan is a Los Angeles native who grew up attending schools in Hollywood. "Ultimately, she is a California girl and can breathe easier there," the source explained. "Hollywood is in her DNA and I think it is where she has always wanted to keep a solid footing."
One of the big advantages of getting a home in California is that Meghan (and Archie) would be able to spend more time with her mother, Doria Ragland. "Meghan is very close to her mother and will want to be able to share quality time with her in her home town," the source added.
Meghan also has a lot of friends in Los Angeles with kids who could be great friends for Archie. "She also has friends in LA with babies and will want to have that interaction and bring up her child in a less restrictive environment — similar to how she grew up," the source said.
At the time of the reports, sources indicted the purchase wouldn't happen anytime soon, as the couple had just finished renovating Frogmore Cottage at the time. Now it seems like that potential purchase could happen sooner rather than later.
Edmund Fry, a man who helped Meghan master royal etiquette, recently spoke to Express about Meghan and Harry's plans. "Meghan and Harry are looking for a place out here. I have heard that they are interested in Malibu," he revealed.
Edmund said homesickness is definitely part of the reason the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking at something stateside. "Knowing Meghan and talking to her, she misses home. Meghan is a Los Angeles girl, born and raised here with many links to Hollywood and friends here," he noted.
Edmund also thinks a desire for privacy is another motivating factor. "It is possible to live stress-free and out of the glare of publicity here. LA and California are so huge, it is easy to escape to places with your family and just blend in with everyone," he explained.
In a land filled with notable people, no one particularly sticks out, which could understandably be appealing for the couple. "Many celebrities with families live their lives day to day without making a big deal of their fame, while enjoying all the great places that this area has to offer," Edmund said.
"People in this town see celebrities all the time and do not clamour for photos or interfere in their lives, so that would be an advantage for them," he added. Harry and Meghan have both been open about wanting a quieter life for Archie than Harry's own upbringing afforded him.
A second property in the States could draw some major criticism toward the couple on a few fronts. For one, UK taxpayers are still less than thrilled about how much of their tax dollars went toward the Frogmore Cottage renovation.
People might also be critical of how the couple chooses to travel back and forth from Malibu to London. The couple has recently come under fire for using a private jet for their travels, which many people feel is in direct contrast with their environmental initiatives.
Malibu could prove to be a wonderful oasis for Harry, Meghan, and Archie. With the royal family constantly on the move, there's no telling how much time they'd get to spend there, but just having a home to go to could be a huge relief for Meghan.
