The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are forging their own way after stepping down as senior royals in 2020. They have an A-list-worthy estate in Montecito to call home, and they are busy using their profiles for philanthropy across the globe, with a recent trip to Jordan. At the weekend, the couple popped up virtually at the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards to present the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award on behalf of their foundation, Archewell Philanthropies. Here's what the video, which was shot from their family mansion, tells us about their family life…
The duo looked immaculate, standing on the veranda of their Santa Barbara residence with blue windows to one side and a stone archway to the other. This particular location is fast becoming a go-to spot for the couple to film in, and we've also seen Harry stand here for solo video messages. It's a bright, airy space that offers the perfect neutral backdrop for the camera, but there could be an underlying reason behind their positioning.
© WellChildAccording to TMZ, the Duke and Duchess spent $14.65 million on the property, however, a new Zillow estimate, their mansion has now doubled in value and is worth $29 million. When Harry and Meghan first moved into this property, we got videos from inside their home, and the first few glimpses of the interiors were from videos of them on a white sofa, with a curated space behind them. This move to an external area could be a metaphorical shift, with Harry and Meghan choosing to distance their work from their family life. With two young children at home, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, it also means that normal family life does not need to be disturbed by filming.
Meghan's decision to protect family life
Previously, Meghan has spoken out about her decision not to film her own Netflix series, With Love, Meghan at her private house. In an interview with People, the Duchess said: "I wanted to protect that safe haven. We're a close-knit family, and I love those moments - putting Lili down for a nap, having lunch together, having sacred time together at the end of the day. Our kitchen is where mama just cooks for the family, and with a crew of 80-plus people, that’s a lot of people to have in your house!"
© NetflixA shared ethos with Prince William and Princess Kate
While Prince William and Prince Harry may be estranged at the moment, it does appear as though they share a desire to retain the sanctity of family life for their children. The Waleses have three kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and despite moving into a new property in November 2025, we are yet to see inside – and this is likely to be a conscious decision on the family's behalf.
Case in point, to mark St David's Day, William and Kate released a video speaking in Welsh. At a glance, it may appear as though they are standing in their own home, with artwork hanging on the wall behind them and a white door visible. However, this backdrop is actually within Frogmore House, a nearby residence. We've seen the couple use this very spot before, again, likely to be to separate work life and home life distinctly.
