Since stepping back from official royal duties in 2020, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has lived in Montecito, California, with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The couple’s decision to pursue an independent life away from the British monarchy has been well-documented in interviews and media projects, including their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan and Prince Harry’s memoir Spare.
Over the past five years, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have focused on building new ventures in the U.S., combining philanthropy, media production, and lifestyle branding. However, as Prince Harry continues to maintain charitable ties in the United Kingdom, reports suggest that the couple faces the challenge of balancing personal commitments on two continents.
Prince Harry’s Continued Connection to the UK
Prince Harry has maintained strong connections with several UK-based charities, including WellChild and Sentebale. In September, he returned to London to attend the WellChild Awards, where he honored the work of children with serious health conditions and their families. He also met with King Charles III, who continues to receive medical care following his public announcement about a cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
In multiple interviews, including with ITV and Good Morning America, Harry has spoken openly about the importance of his charitable work and his desire to remain connected to the causes he supported as a royal. His continued visits to the UK reflect those commitments rather than any indication of a change in his or Meghan’s living arrangements.
According to official statements from the couple’s Archewell Foundation, their mission remains focused on “uplifting and uniting communities through acts of compassion and creative media.” This includes ongoing partnerships with organizations supporting mental health, gender equity, and veterans’ well-being—causes that have long been priorities for both Harry and Meghan.
Balancing Life Between Two Countries
Living primarily in California, the Sussexes have developed a new lifestyle centered on their family and business ventures. However, maintaining personal and professional ties to both the U.S. and the UK can be demanding.
Prince Harry’s continued involvement in UK charities and legal matters related to his personal security arrangements often brings him back across the Atlantic. Meanwhile, Meghan has focused on raising their children and expanding her creative projects in the United States.
Experts in work-life balance note that couples managing international responsibilities often face challenges in maintaining alignment and communication. Family therapist Dr. Kathryn Smerling told People magazine in a previous interview that “navigating careers across countries requires flexibility, clear priorities, and shared values.”
Meghan Markle’s Business Ventures
In recent years, Meghan has taken a leadership role in several creative and business projects. In 2024, she announced As Ever, a lifestyle brand focusing on food, home, and wellness products. The launch was part of a broader partnership with Netflix, expanding her presence in media and entrepreneurship.
Her upcoming Netflix series With Love, Meghan showcases her interest in cooking and hosting. The program reportedly aligns with the themes of her brand—celebrating comfort, community, and thoughtful living. During an appearance at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, Meghan discussed her vision for As Ever and her goal of “building something authentic that inspires connection through simple joys.”
The brand initially drew attention for its artisanal products, including small-batch jams and home goods. While sales figures have not been publicly disclosed, early demand led to limited availability of some items. Business analysts note that boutique lifestyle brands often start with small-scale production, emphasizing craftsmanship and exclusivity over mass distribution.
The Evolving Netflix Partnership
The Sussexes’ relationship with Netflix remains a central pillar of their media strategy. Their first projects under the partnership included the Harry & Meghan docuseries and the 2023 Heart of Invictus documentary, which highlighted athletes participating in the Invictus Games.
Netflix has confirmed that it continues to collaborate with Archewell Productions on new projects. The company’s statement emphasized that it maintains a “first-look deal” with the Sussexes, allowing Netflix to review and develop future content ideas with them.
This model is common in the entertainment industry and offers flexibility for both parties. Meghan has expressed enthusiasm about exploring new formats, including holiday specials and family-oriented lifestyle content.
Meghan’s Commitment to Family and Community
Amid her business and media ventures, Meghan continues to prioritize her family and philanthropic work. Through the Archewell Foundation, she and Harry have supported initiatives related to gender equity, online safety, and humanitarian aid. In recent months, Archewell has partnered with organizations such as the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund and the Fisher House Foundation, which assists military families.
Meghan has also spoken publicly about the importance of mental health and family wellness. In a conversation with The New York Times’ DealBook Online Summit, she described her focus on “creating a healthy environment for children to grow and learn kindness, empathy, and resilience.”
Parenting remains a central part of her daily life in Montecito, where she and Harry are known to maintain a relatively private routine focused on their children’s upbringing and local community involvement.
Media Coverage and Public Perception
Since relocating to the U.S., both Meghan and Harry have faced intense media scrutiny. Analysts note that much of the reporting about their private life often relies on unnamed sources or speculation, which can blur the line between fact and rumor.
Media ethics experts from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism emphasize that distinguishing between verified information and conjecture is essential when covering high-profile public figures. As such, claims about private marital tensions or unverified emotional struggles should be treated cautiously unless confirmed through direct statements or reputable outlets.
Looking Ahead
Despite the public challenges, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to pursue projects that align with their long-term vision for impact and independence. Their upcoming media collaborations, community partnerships, and charitable work suggest a continued focus on purpose-driven storytelling rather than traditional royal duties.
For Meghan, balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy represents an evolving chapter in her post-royal life. While transitions of this scale naturally come with stress and scrutiny, she has consistently emphasized values of compassion, service, and resilience—principles that continue to guide the couple’s public and private endeavors.
As Prince Harry maintains his international commitments and Meghan develops her creative ventures, their shared goal remains the same: building a meaningful, sustainable legacy centered on family, empathy, and positive global influence.