Take all of this with a huge grain of salt, but Page Six has an exclusive story about how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to move to LA now that they’re semi-exiling themselves from the royal family. Personally, I think Toronto or New York are the odds-on favorites for re-location, but Page Six’s sources say no, it will be LA.
Harry and Meghan are set to trade in their palaces for palm trees. The royal couple is planning to set up a new home in the Duchess of Sussex’s glittery old stomping grounds of Los Angeles, along with one in the Commonwealth country of Canada, according to multiple sources.
“Meghan is, at heart, an LA girl, she cares about money, power and prestige,” a highly placed source told the Post.
“Meghan really wants to live in California, it’s where she is from and where her mother lives,” another source close to the couple said. “She likes the lifestyle and the privacy there. She has been getting advice on the move from close friends, including Oprah and the Clooneys, and they have encouraged her that she and Harry can step away from the royal family and follow their own path.”
The first source said that LA can be a place where Meghan can continue to shine on a global stage, even as they forsake the London upper crust. “I don’t think she quite got the reception she wanted in the UK, to say the very least. When she was an actress, she was all about money — she made deals on her blog ‘The Tig’, she made deals with the clothing she wore — she’d get paid for wearing a T-shirt and brag about it — all sorts,” the source said. “Although she wants to be near her mom Doria, she wants to set herself up for the future, and Harry is being dragged along for the ride.”
However, it’s yet to be worked out who precisely will provide their security as they are watched over by British police officers, paid for by British taxpayers and the bill could spiral into millions when they travel abroad.
“What happens if they decide to give back their HRH titles?” the first source said. “They’ll be no automatic security provided for them — they’ll have to look at Hollywood-style security firms, who use ex-Mossad officers and have to pay for that on their own dime.”
Sources also point out that it’s noteworthy that the publicist the Sussexes hired to work on their Sussex Royal Foundation, Keleigh Thomas Morgan, from the PR firm Sunshine Sachs, is based in LA.
Yes, Meghan is so money-obsessed that she gave up a well-paying job to marry a prince, then she plotted to get racially abused for years with people actively hounding her while she was pregnant, and now she’s all about… money. Don’t get me wrong, I’m interested in how they monetize their positions and all of that. But she’s not going to be an Instagram influencer. I still say that LA isn’t their first choice – yes, she’s close to her mom, but I can’t see her moving back to LA just for Doria. And Harry isn’t being “dragged” anywhere. He’s completely over HIS OWN FAMILY. Meghan is his lifeline. Oh, but if they do go to LA, the president of ABC Entertainment said the Sussexes can have an office there any time:
Given Markle’s acting background and Prince Harry’s upcoming Apple TV+ series on mental health in partnership with Oprah Winfrey, the power couple could take a page out of another’s playbook — the Obamas — and establish a production company to develop content in line with their interests.
“We have an office waiting for them in the animation studios building should they be looking to produce television,” ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke said Wednesday in response to the news while at the network’s Television Critics Association’s winter press tour.
An offhand comment, for sure, but let me say this to those stuffy, pearl-clutching Brits who are fantasizing about how Meghan is “unpopular” around the world: we would welcome her back to America with open arms. She would be welcomed in LA, Chicago, New York, Washington, wherever. And we’re fond of Harry too.
Photos courtesy of WENN, Backgrid.
Wait, they like the “privacy” of LA?? It seems like the LEAST private place to live, ever.
Yeah, if they want to move there, fine. But don’t pretend it’s for privacy. It’s for lifestyle, access to Hollywood and it’s various media resources, and likely to be close by to friends and family.
They’re not moving to LA. This is the same lie the press spreads every other week to prove how famewhorey Meghan is but it never happens. Meghan probably doesn’t even like LA like that. Outside of her Mom being there, what else is there for her? Her last real home and foundation was in Canada.
Meghan grew up there? It’s her home. Southern California weather is miraculous, and they can do everything they’d want to do with their foundation as it’s a major city with major resources? Imo, it makes sense for them to move to LA, at least have residence there. Just not for privacy.
As an LA resident it’s possible to be private here. Many celebs do it. Those who are papped are done by choice. Tom and Rita Wilson and Matt Damon live here and are rarely papped. All that said, I call bullshit. Homegirl lived in Toronto and had a condo there. She also went to Northwestern. She hasn’t been an LA girl for quite some time. I could see somewhere in Canada or New York if they were to become state side residents.
Matt Damon lives in Brooklyn.
Meghan wants to work, she could be an A list actor now. She is not going to walk away from that. She can take roles sans nude or love scenes. They need to get out from under the tangle of the RF rules. So she can purse the career she really wants.
I thought Matt Damon lived in Australia now?
Where in the world is Matt Damon?
@AppleTartin Meghan doesn’t strike me as the type who wants to be an alist actor, maybe she once did, but she quickly learned no. And contrary to what the press portray of her, she even stated she hated taking her clothes off for scenes, she felt very uncomfortable. I can see if she does pursue acting it will be something safe like Canadian childrens shows or maybe helping put together documentaries of various news topics. Whatever she chooses I think she will be happiest in Canada.
In LA it is definitely possible to have privacy, but with fame, the demand increases and it gets very expensive to maintain. Sacrifices and choices have to be made about priorities.
I can totally see them doing some kind of documentary series on Netflix that focuses on social issues. It makes sense that they’d want to be in a city with access to industry resources.
I’m chuckling over that too. This piece made my eyes roll so much.
Page Six have been Meghan haters from the get go. There’s a lot of nastiness in that article which is par for the course from them.
I’m enjoying these pictures from their Canada House (??) visit even more now that we know why they were both looking so happy and glowing – ‘WE’RE GOING TO BE FREEEEEEE’.
Come on you two! We will be glad to welcome you. As Trudeau said, your among friends here.
They are welcome so long as the Canadian tax payers do not pay a single dime for them. Period. That said, I think Meghan was obviously well connected and had good friends in Toronto so that makes sense to me. The west coast is prettier and Vancouver itself is an amazing city – although the cost of living there is ridiculous. Cost of living on Vancouver Island is also high depending where you go and while I could see having a vacation home there, I doubt they’d set up shop. And if they’re going to try to be financially independent a vacation home on Vancouver Island also wouldn’t make sense. I have trouble with the LA theory as she was never a “Hollywood” actress per se – her successes came while she was living elsewhere. That said since her mother lives there I could see a pied-a-terre there for family visits,
but not a home base. New York would also make sense to me for work purposes. But what do I know?!
Simmer down, Redgrl. The Canadians don’t pay a single dime for the BRF, period. Not to mention the fact that they really don’t contribute that much to their own defense and get all the benefits of living right next door to the largest economic and military in the world and practically none of the responsibility.
That’s right: You get more from us than the United States gets from Canada.
You’re welcome.
@anon – we pay when they are here in an official capacity. Not if they are private citizens, albeit potentially for security costs. @scotchy below sums it up quite nicely. As to the rest of your post – hahahahaha! Are you for real?! Simmer down yourself – your lack of knowledge and antiquated views make you a pretty bad stereotype.
@anon it was reported the RCMP were their protection service while they were in BC. I believe taxpayers pay for the RCMP. I wonder what that cost was to the taxpayers.
The RCMP are employed by our Federal Government, whose salaries are paid by our Federal taxes.
Many Canadians died in a plane crash because of the actions of your dumb president. Do we really want to go on about what the US does with its military?
@nic919 yep, that too.
Moving to the US would be bad PR for them and the narrative they’re building, they probably will stick to a commonwealth country.
@anon
We Canadians do pay for the royals when they visit on an officially capacity. We do not pay for them if they stay part time as private citizens. However on their vacay they had RCMP security which we do pay for so again they cost us something albeit not tons. Either it’s a slight concern for some and justifiably so.
They’re centering their brand around “Sussex royal” so they’re keeping their titles I guess. Can the queen take it away from them?
I believe she can. Although she can’t change the fact that Harry was born a prince. I’m beginning to believe she, Charles, and William are going to be as nasty as they can over this.
The tabloids blaming The Sussex’s choice to become “financially independent” on Megan being materialistic and not on their own reporting is rich. It’s clear on the Sussex Royal website, to me anyways, that the main impetus for altering their working model is to avoid the Royal Rota system and empower themselves to work with all media on factual reporting and not just with a select few tabloids that have been abusing them.
This was my big takeway too. They are stepping away from the sovereign grant so they can get out from under the thumbs of the roya rota.
I think it’s two-fold. They def wan to get away from the reporters but I think they realize their ability to make big money. They could earn millions, maybe billions. Honestly, there is nothing wrong with that especially if they aren’t taking tax payer $.
Yep, it is interesting to see all of the royal rota trying to claim they were right all along and the Sussexes are being too sensitive.
And this isn’t about monetizing their titles. It’s about having a decent life away from the toxic family he has.
Yes, I agree. They lay it out very clearly and it makes total sense. The Royal Rota system forced them to give access to entities that were attacking them. I don’t blame them for walking away.
I am confused I thought that
Buckingham Palace had released its own statement saying discussions about the couple’s future are “at an early stage” and “complicated.” So it doesn’t seem they are being released yet from their duties. I think money ,security and what does this all mean issues are still in negotiation.
She likes money, power and prestige? Ew. If that was true, they wouldn’t be taking this step back.
Trevor Noah/the Daily Show posted a “help wanted” ad yesterday on IG aimed at them. It was hilarious.
I could see them spending time in LA – but I’ve said that for a while now. Getting a bigger house for Doria, and they spend a month there in the summer or whatever. But I also think they will have a homebase in Canada. I think that’s why they said “North America” and not “Canada.”
Remember Mexico 😉
Do you mean you are actually reminding me of Mexico, or is that an allusion to her father?
I can assure you I am aware of Mexico lol, but it has never been discussed as a potential base for H&M, whereas parts of the US and Canada have been.
The Press always say they’re going to LA and they never do. Get over it. They so want to make her some sort of Kardashian wanna be and it’s not happening. Meghan is cunning enough, to know what her parameters are and how to maneuver it as best she can. They hate seeing our good sis WIN! lol
I hope they are allowed to live the lifestyle they want. It seems to me, they both want more control over their own lives to make decisions and work choices, and less media (more control of own media) .
I wonder if the BRF will drag their feet or make it hard for them. I think the Sussex def are pushing forward but I think the BRF have some idea that this looks somewhat bad for them.
This source sounds like a hater
Yes, it smells like samantha to me!
How would Canada work – immigration-wise? I know Canada is a commonwealth country. Does that mean a British citizen (Harry) can move to any commonwealth country and reside there permanently without needing to meet immigration requirements? And Meghan is American so wouldn’t she need a visa to reside in Canada permanently?
Los Angeles (or elsewhere in the US) makes sense because of Meghan’s citizenship. And I assume Harry could come because he’s married to a US citizen.
That said, if I had a chance to live out of Trump’s power, I would take it and wouldn’t look back. I wish Canada would take me (& my family)!
They will face no problems with visas or immigration. Any red tape will swiftly cut.
I remember reading somewhere that no strings would be pulled for Meghan to become a British citizen And that she’d have to follow the same process as anyone else. Now, red tape can be cut because they’re exiting the family ? I guess I just don’t understand how a work visa would work if they don’t have a forma job lined up with a Canadian-based company. Or maybe their plan to start a foundation would suffice..? Seems like that’s a good way for the 1% to circumvent immigration though — “I’m famous and I’m going to be myself and take money for speeches if people decide to hire me. I’ll take one work visa please.” (Not saying that’s what H&M saying / doing). Although I guess when you’re famous, you can sell your fame for speeches and the like. Kind of mind blowing when you really think about it.
Nola, don’t you recall how her Brit papers were so fast-tracked after the engagement, my head spun? They’ll get breezed into Canadian residency/work visas under one of the more elite entry schemes that most of us don’t qualify for (e.g. bringing in hoards of cash to “add to the economy” as investors). Borders don’t exist for the rich and famous.
@nola – British citizens do not have the right to “automatically” move to Canada. We have been an independent country for years so the notion that Brits can automatically “move to the colonies” ahead of everyone else is long gone. I have friends who emigrated to Canada from England and while they were able to stay on temporary or work visas within a reasonable time it took them years to become actual Canadian citizens.
Haha if commonwealth citizens could live anywhere within its confines, there would be a lot more movement. Personally, I would have moved to the UK years ago.
The process is the same as any other when one person decides to move from one country to another, with a lot of red tap.
For these two, I am sure the process will be smoother than the regular commoner.
It may be different for the royals – i.e. strings getting pulled to facilitate the process – but in general, people seem to have the impression that it’s easy to get into Canada. I remember in the run up to Trump’s victory, many, many Americans said that if he won they would move to Canada. Like it was just a matter of showing up at the border and walking across…
I said yesterday on another M&H thread – I work in immigration law/international relocations in Canada. H&M will not have any trouble making Canada their home. Like, none. The grandson of the GD Queen (who has more than enough money on his own to support himself with no recourse on public funds etc) could get on a plane tomorrow. I think PM Trudeau’s tweet is enough to allow them in, LOL.
What Layla said. The rules are really tight for entry into Canada, US and EU, but there are loopholes. I swanned into an EU country when my employer pulled *one single string* to get me my visa appointment months ahead of the queue (he knew someone who works at the immigration office). That was just a lucky connection I never had before and never will again.
Royals? No barriers. Cue the queue-jumping.
I’m still getting Canada vibes from them. So, they may spend some time in LA with Doria but I still feel like Canada will be their home base.
Lol as if they’re going to LA. That’s paparazzi central. I bet avoiding paparazzi is the main reason they had Doria come to Canada rather than staying with her in her home. I think they’ll probably relocate to Canada if they can get visas or someplace lower key in the US if they can’t.
The Royal Family has its very own Brexit to deal with. Seems like the Monarchy is falling apart from internal squabbles and moral rot. I have very little sympathy. Hopefully Harry and Meghan will make boatloads of money and get massive attention so William and Kate can stew powerless in their gilded cages
This isn’t about privacy. This is about control and Meghan should have recognized that when you marry into the royal family you cede control. At this point she is coming across as another Wallis Simpson.
Only racists compare Nazi loving Wallis-Simpson.
No, only people who aren’t so literal that they are devoid of humor.
No, they will move to –> Vancouver Island <– I bet they have something already. 😀 😀
I don’t think they would base themselves there. The largest city on Vancouver Island is Victoria, which is the province’s capital. The provincial legislature is there, and many residents work in government or government agencies. There’s a military base nearby (I believe – can someone confirm?) Apart from those groups, Victoria has a massive number of retired seniors because of the comparatively warmer climate. So it’s not the same type of city as Toronto or Vancouver. Geographically and architecturally Victoria is beautiful. As I understand it from having visited multiple times (although I obviously stand to be corrected by locals!) the rest of Vancouver Island has a significant tourism and resource-based economy (logging, fishing etc). It is stunningly beautiful, geographically spread out with lots of remote areas. Towns like Tofino and Ucluelet all have their own vibe which is entirely different (beaches, cold-water surfing, fishing industry) which is very different from somewhere like Port Alberni in the interior which is more resource-based. All this to say given what they want to do, not sure they’d set up shop there.
Your description sounds really lovely, would be ideal for me. 🙂 Thank you.
What would it be like for little children growing up there?
@eyfalia – aw, thanks! As I said, I defer to locals; my view is from friends who live there and from having visited. I have friends who are raising families in the greater Victoria area and they just love it. Good schools and facilities and lots of access to the ocean and nature. I think living full time somewhere like Tofino or Ucluelet would be different since the winter season is very quiet and the towns empty out of seasonal workers and tourists and given how remote it is you would really have to love it to stay year round (imho)
We visited Victoria last summer and were really surprised (in a good way) at how beautiful it was and what an interesting city it was (I didn’t expect it to be “bad,” I was just more neutral on it and we ended up really liking it.)
My money says somewhere in the greater Vancouver area. They’d have quick connections to LA, London and even Sydney from Vancouver’s airport. There’s some British flair to be found in Vancouver and Victoria, too. There’s enough people to hobnob with, and enough neighbourhoods with the privacy and security they need. It’s perfect.
@layla beans – I tend to agree with you re Vancouver – it’s a vibrant, beautiful, exciting, multicultural city. Great restaurants, cultural events & access to good schools & universities. Between the sea and the mountains for outdoor activities. There are many opportunities & access to film and tv studios if that is what they wanted to work on (if not acting then documentaries, promos for their charities etc). And it would be a close flight to LA to see Doria. Only thing is Meghan’s Canadian friends and contacts are largely in Toronto,
I thought..
Thank you very much. This sounds very good, ideal for them! I think Harry and Meghan’s decision in the next couple of years will be what is best for their kid/s. Archi will not be subject to the racism he would have received if they stayed in England.
I hope the US taxpayer is not expected to pay for security. Also they maybe stripped of their titles. That is the big rumor running thru London.
I wish all these celebrities commenting about Meghan wuold please shut up. Even if they are in support, keep it private it’s not your life. Is keeping your opinions to yourself, not speaking to press something celebrities can’t understand, sheesh. If this were Kate and William these celebtiies wouldn’t be comfortable talking openly about them, why not respect for Meghan like that.
Vancouver is a very short flight to LA… perfect spot to land if you have business in LA and want privacy,,,,
I don’t see them choosing L.A and I don’t think Meghan will resume her acting career. I see them a rather based between Canada and London. I think Harry will focused more on Sentebale, Invictus Games and other charities and Meghan will take the path of Diana when she leaves the royal family, that is to say, less smooth and international humanitarian causes (such as the education of girls and may she will become a UN embassider). If she were to return to the world of cinema is for the production of close cinematography.And I imagine that the two will create their own charitable foundations.
If they focus exclusively on charitable endeavours how will they generate income to fund their living expenses? Security costs will be huge..
They are not poor, they both many money for self-financing their lives. Then they can earn money by giving lectures, writing books, making documentaries, films or series and or sale of personal property.
My odds are on Canada which is close enough to visit her mom regularly, where she has friends and can get business done as well.
No, I think they’ll move to Canada. But I wouldn’t be surprised if they bought a home in California (not LA) or bought a bigger home for Doria and stayed with her when in town.
Wouldn’t it be great if they showed up at some charity event tomorrow. Glowing. Her speaking always floors me. Just brilliant. Donated their own money to a cause and asked people to match it. It would show compassion, how loved they are, and yeah we are using our own money. I would like it to be towards the bush fires. Or towards feeding the homeless. It’d be a great FU while doing something really good.
Also you are welcome anywhere HM!
I live in Victoria (on Vancouver Island), and the scuttlebut here is that H&M have already bought a house in North Saanich (not the one they were staying at, but nearby). My realtor friend confirmed that’s what she’d heard as well.
They may also get a place in LA, but they are definitely going to spend some time on VI!
If this is true – and who knows, scuttlebutt can be true but not always – then it says to me that this was not a snap decision. I mean we knew that, but I even doubt the Standard’s version of it. They didn’t stay in Victoria and think, “oh how nice, we should move here.” They went there to house-hunt.
Yes, they came here to house hunt is my understanding. I hear they even looked at James Island, which has been for sale off-and-on for years, but I don’t believe that’s what they bought. My realtor had a high-value property in central saanich which someone looked at over Xmas that needed to be very hush-hush. Obviously not a confirmation, but she got a wink and a nudge from the buying realtor.
Edit: Halibut Island went up for sale just before Xmas but I doubt they went that extreme!
@ginna – interesting!
@becks – the house hunting theory certainly would make sense then, if the scuttlebutt is true..
There may be something to this story. It’s also in the Evening Standard:
“The couple are planning to split their time between LA, Frogmore and Canada. The Duchess is keen to move closer to her mother Doria Ragland, who lives in Los Angeles, and a recent report suggests the couple have narrowed their search to Malibu.”
Jesus, that word, keen, is overused over there.
God I couldn’t even get past the part about Meghan valuing money and prestige. What a gross article. Just keeps validating their reasons for exiting.
Of course it will be Canada, what do you all think they have been doing over there for the last six weeks? Just holidaying. 😆
I think they’ll hang out in England until she gets her citizenship, then split their time between Toronto and London. They were able to be pretty undercover early in their relationship in Toronto. And it is a fantastic city, with easy acres to various points in North America as they further develop their global philanthropy platforms.
Umm, are we going to totally ignore that Meghan was an actress and getting fame, recognition and the fawning that comes with it are not ingrained in her? Actors/Actresses love that. And her job was hardly well paying… NO ONE knew her before she started dating Harry. HE put her on the map with his TITLE. This position as a duchess is giving her the recognition and status that an actor dreams of. There are many, many opportunities for her to explore now that she is recognized and monetize off that.
I dont think Elton John or Amal were sending her a private Jet prior to Harry. She WANTS to move in the upper echlon of Hollywood.
I think its perfectly OK to recognize that she has different expectations than those that came with her role. She came in hoping to ‘modernize’ the Royal Family – that was the narrative from her camp. She did not expect this much push back.
Good point. Your comment expresses something Lainey said on The Social today but she was a bit more subtle. She has to be careful about what she says due to her ties to the Mulroneys and the fact she works closely with Ben.
Good move, she can resume her acting career.
There’s nothing wrong in admitting that Meghan may love her money and fame.
She did quit a well-paying job but she married a wealthy man that happens to be one of the most famous person on the planet. She then befriend a series of A+ List people.
Now that she’s out of the BRF, she has more control over her life and how to enjoy her millions and make the most out of her fame.
Isn’t it a win-win for the British if they don’t like Meghan and Harry? If William and Kate are so popular and well-liked, then they’re well-shot of M&H aren’t they? So why all the grouching? The British people got exactly what they wanted. I for one fully expect them to stfu about Meghan and Harry from here until the rest of time. You can’t complain about people who you don’t fund with your tax payer money.