Seeking Freedom: Prince Harry on Life in America with Meghan and Their Children

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, made the monumental decision to step back as senior working members of the British Royal Family in early 2020, it sent shockwaves across the globe. Dubbed “Megxit” by the media, the move was a unprecedented break from centuries of royal tradition. Fast forward to today, and the couple has established a brand-new life in the coastal enclave of Montecito, California.

Away from the rigid protocols of Buckingham Palace and the relentless scrutiny of the British tabloid press, Prince Harry has been remarkably candid about his transition. Through high-profile interviews, a record-breaking Netflix docuseries, and his explosive memoir Spare, Harry has shared a vivid, deeply personal account of his new reality.

Here is an in-depth look at how Prince Harry views his life in America, his relationship with Meghan in their new environment, and the joy of raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The Road to California: Escaping the “Goldfish Bowl”

To understand Harry’s appreciation for his life in America, one must first understand why he left. The Duke has frequently described his former life in the UK as living in a “goldfish bowl”—a toxic mix of intense public scrutiny, institutional entrapment, and an intrusive press machine that he blamed for the death of his mother, Princess Diana.

Harry confessed that his greatest fear was “history repeating itself.” Seeing his wife, Meghan, suffer from severe mental health struggles under the weight of royal expectations and racist media coverage was the breaking point.

Choosing America—specifically California—was not just a geographical shift; it was an emotional and psychological rescue mission. In the United States, Harry found the space to breathe, heal, and redefine his identity not just as a prince, but as a husband, father, and private citizen.

Life in Montecito: A Sanctuary of Privacy and Nature

The Sussexes settled into a stunning, multi-million-dollar estate in Montecito, a wealthy neighborhood in Santa Barbara known for its privacy and celebrity residents like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. For Harry, this home represents the ultimate sanctuary.

Unlike the historic but heavily guarded and public-facing royal residences in England, their California home offers a blend of luxury and normalcy. Harry has spoken fondly of the simple pleasures that the American landscape provides:

• Outdoor Freedom: Harry frequently mentions the joy of being able to take his dogs for walks on the beach or go for bike rides with his son, Archie—activities that would have been logistical nightmares and paparazzi magnets in the UK.

• A Sense of Community: In Montecito, neighbors respect their privacy. The local community treats them less like royal spectacles and more like standard residents, allowing them a semblance of a normal, unbothered daily routine.

• Connection to Nature: The expansive grounds of their home, complete with a chicken coop (affectionately named “Archie’s Chickin Inn”), allow the family to live an organic, indoor-outdoor lifestyle that Harry has come to deeply appreciate.

“To have outdoor space where I can go for walks with Archie, and we can go for walks as a family and with the dogs, and we can go on hikes or go down to the beach, which is so close… all of these things are highlights for me.”

— Prince Harry during his 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Partnering in a New Frontier: Harry and Meghan’s Shared Vision

Moving to a new country and cutting ties with one’s family is a isolating experience, but Harry has consistently emphasized that it has brought him and Meghan closer together. In America, they are no longer just a royal couple fulfilling duties assigned by the Crown; they are business partners, co-parents, and co-founders of their own empire.

The Archewell Foundation and Business Ventures

In the US, the couple launched Archewell, an umbrella organization that includes their non-profit foundation and their commercial media production arms (Archewell Audio and Archewell Productions). Harry has expressed immense pride in their collaborative work. From securing major deals with Netflix to producing thought-provoking podcasts, Harry and Meghan operate as equals.

Harry has frequently praised Meghan for her resilience and for opening his eyes to a world outside the royal bubble. He credits her with helping him unpack his own biases and trauma, noting that her strength gave him the courage to demand a better life for their family.

Raising Archie and Lilibet: A Different Kind of Childhood

Perhaps the most profound impact of Harry’s move to America is the environment it provides for his children: six-year-old Prince Archie Harrison and four-year-old Princess Lilibet Diana.

Harry’s childhood was defined by protocol, boarding schools, and the constant presence of photographers. In America, he is determined to give his children a childhood rooted in freedom, play, and emotional openness.

Harry is a deeply hands-on father. He has shared delightful anecdotes about his children’s lives in California. He has noted that Archie is full of curiosity, loves playing the piano, and is fully aware of his environment.

Princess Lilibet, named after her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and her grandmother Princess Diana, is growing up with a distinct American flair. Harry has remarked on her vibrant personality, noting that she inherited his red hair and her mother’s expressive eyes.

Crucially, Harry is grateful that his children can grow up knowing their maternal grandmother, Doria Ragland, who lives nearby in Los Angeles and is a frequent, loving presence in their lives.

Healing Trauma and Finding Identity

Living in America has also allowed Prince Harry to focus heavily on his mental health. He has been a vocal advocate for therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and self-reflection.

Harry has stated that the slower, wellness-oriented culture of California has been incredibly beneficial for his healing process. In the UK, the prevailing royal attitude was often to “keep calm and carry on,” suppressing grief and anxiety. In America, Harry found a culture that encourages speaking openly about mental health struggles.

Through his work with the mental health coaching platform BetterUp (where he serves as Chief Impact Officer), Harry has turned his personal healing journey into a professional mission. He has embraced the American spirit of self-reinvention—the idea that you are not defined by the circumstances of your birth, but by the choices you make for your future.

Cultural Adjustments: A British Prince in the USA

Of course, transitioning from the heart of the British establishment to American corporate and celebrity culture came with a learning curve. Harry has occasionally joked about the cultural differences he has experienced.

• The Language Barrier: Despite both countries speaking English, Harry has had to adapt to American terminology and corporate jargon, especially in his business meetings.

• The American Spirit: Harry has expressed a deep admiration for the American mindset, describing it as optimistic, entrepreneurial, and supportive of success. He has noted that in the US, people are generally more encouraging when someone tries to build something new, whereas the UK media can often be cynical.

• The 4th of July: In a humorous twist of irony, a prince of the British Empire now celebrates American Independence Day. Harry has been spotted attending local 4th of July parades with his family, fully embracing American traditions.

The Complexities: Security, Estrangement, and the Future

While Harry’s reflections on his life in America are overwhelmingly positive, it hasn’t been without its challenges. The Duke remains deeply concerned about his family’s security. Deprived of taxpayer-funded royal protection after stepping down, Harry has had to spend millions on private security to ensure Meghan and the children are safe from paparazzi and stalkers.

Furthermore, the physical distance has mirrored a deep emotional estrangement from his father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince William. Harry has expressed sadness over the fractured relationships but maintains that the safety and peace of his immediate family—Meghan, Archie, and Lili—must always come first.

Conclusion: A Life Built on Chosen Grounds

Ultimately, Prince Harry’s reflections on his life in America paint a picture of a man who has successfully reclaimed his own narrative. He no longer views himself as a spare cog in a royal machine, but as the captain of his own ship.

In the sunny valleys of Montecito, alongside Meghan and under the watchful, loving eyes of their two children, Harry has found the freedom he long craved. America gave him the chance to break a cycle of generational trauma, to be a present and unburdened father, and to build a legacy based on compassion, mental wellness, and personal choice. For the British prince who crossed the Atlantic, California is no longer just a place of exile—it is, undeniably, home.