Meghan Markle ‘calls the shots’ in her and Prince Harry’s life, but the couple are ‘really happy together’ despite significant setbacks since moving to California, a friend of the couple has said.
Giving a glimpse of life at the Sussexes’ Montecito home, a friend of the couple described how the house works and says the couple enjoys the small scene rather than the big social events.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not been seen together in public often in recent months, following the launch of their Netflix series Harry and Meghan and the publication of Harry’s book Spare.
said the source People that the couple, who announced their retirement as working royals three years ago, are ’embracing’ their new life at their $14.65 million estate, raising their children on grounds with chicken coops, an orchard and a playground.
It follows a turbulent few months for the King’s youngest son following the fallout from claims made in his book and a brief appearance at his father’s coronation in May, where he stayed in the UK for only a few hours.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seen leaving Tre Lune on Thursday, a favorite restaurant for celebrities including Kourtney Kardashian.
The couple have had a turbulent year after the release of their Netflix docuseries (pictured)
A so-called friend of the couple told the magazine that they seem very happy with their new life in the sun, saying their dynamic is one that “Harry needs.”
They said: ‘Meghan seems to run the house and call the shots, but it’s not like he’s leaning towards her. It’s just a dynamic that works for them, and maybe one that he needs after everything he’s been through.”
The Sussexes largely keep to themselves in California, but have a select circle of friends that includes a few celebrities.
They are said to work out of a joint office on their property, often avoiding expensive parties or nights out for smaller gatherings at home, with a particular fondness for karaoke.
Harry, 38, and Meghan, who turned 42 today, have a preference for takeout pizza from Bettina, an Italian favorite of celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Catherine Reitman.
But the Prince is understood to be a ‘beer and steak and chips guy’, though he does get out of this for special occasions like a date night at the exclusive Tre Lune restaurantwhich the couple visited on Thursday night with their friend Matt Cohen.
At home, the friend says that Harry and Meghan are close parents, they agree on family values and how to raise them.
“The children are their world,” the source added.
Despite knowing that royal life was not “a world they wanted for their family,” Harry and Meghan have faced some harsh realities since leaving to raise their children away from the Firm’s spotlight.
At home, the friend says that Harry and Meghan are close parents, they agree on family values and how to raise them.
The couple appeared in good spirits on their way home on the eve of Meghan’s birthday.
The friend recounted how Meghan ‘makes the decisions’, but added that it’s a dynamic that Harry ‘needs’
Prince Harry is pictured leaving the UK after the coronation ceremony on May 6.
The couple’s relationship with King Carlos III (left) and the rest of the royal family does not seem to have improved
Having inked major multi-million dollar deals with giants Netflix and Spotify, as well as Harry’s own book deal, they’ve since faced obstacles, including losing the partnership with Spotify.
Meghan hosted a series of her Archetype podcast on the platform, but the streaming service did not renew it and the couple announced in June that they had “mutually” agreed to part ways.
They’ve also had trouble breaking into Hollywood, despite Meghan’s background as an actress on the hit series Suits.
Although her Harry and Meghan docuseries have been widely viewed around the world, insiders say her brand is a hard sell, with the drama surrounding it raising customer expectations.
Their Archewell foundation has also hit a few bumps along the way, with several staff members having previously left the organization, leaving multiple roles for the couple to try to fill.
His relationship with the rest of the royal family doesn’t seem to have improved in recent months, even though tension is subsiding over claims about family members in his previous projects.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, for example, posted on social media today, but he didn’t mention Meghan’s birthdayin an approach that differs from previous years.
Representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been contacted for comment.
