The Real Reason Why Meghan And Harry Moved To LA

Even though Meghan Markle and Prince Harry aren't set to officially step down as senior members of the royal family until March 31, 2020, it seems like they are already living their best lives. According to People, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have relocated to Markle's hometown of Los Angeles after hiding out in Canada for several months following Megxit. 

A source told the publication that the couple and their son, Archie, are now settled into their new home, which is reportedly close to the former actress' mother, Doria Ragland. Markle and Harry were quite isolated in their Vancouver Island residence after leaving Frogmore Cottage in England, and they've remained isolated — now in their secluded California compound — amid the coronavirus pandemic.

At some point in early 2020, a source close to the couple told People that Markle and Harry were looking for a house in Los Angeles to start their lives as financially-independent individuals — away from the British royal family. "Harry is looking straight ahead at his future with his family," the insider said. "They will be spending time in California...He's not looking back."

One thing that surely made Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's move to Los Angeles a bit easier is the fact that Markle has many of her close friends in California, as well as her celebrity connections, including Oprah Winfrey and Ellen Degeneres. "They have a big support network there," a source told The Sun. "It's where their new team of Hollywood agents and PRs and business managers are based." Speaking of agents and PR teams, it seems like Markle's are already hard at work.

On March 26, 2020, The New York Times reported that the former Suits actress took her first Hollywood job since leaving the monarchy: a voiceover deal for a Disney documentary titled, Elephant, which will be released on April 3, 2020, on Disney+. The outlet reports that she'd been working on the project since late 2019. 

While Markle has clearly already found some things to keep herself busy, it's unclear what Prince Harry will be doing now that he's let go of his royal duties and moved to the City of Stars. However, for now, he's surely enjoying time with his family of three while also staying tucked away amid the coronavirus pandemic. As royal family enthusiasts will know, Harry's father, Prince Charles, tested positive for COVID-19 in late March 2020. The diagnosis was confirmed by Clarence House on March 25, 2020. 

In light of his coronavirus diagnosis, Prince Charles is reportedly experiencing "mild symptoms," but "otherwise remains in good health" and has been working from home, per BBC. It's not clear how or when Prince Charles was infected with the virus, but his last public engagement took place on March 12, 2020.

After learning of his diagnosis, Charles reportedly called sons Harry and William to tell them the news, per ITV NEWS Royal Editor Chris Ship. At the time of this writing, Charles and his wife Camilla are self-isolating to keep the rest of the royal family safe. In the face of the pandemic, Markle and Harry have shared words of encouragement on their Instagram page, Sussex Royal. In a post from March 18, 2020, the couple wrote, "These are uncertain times. And now, more than ever, we need each other."

The post's caption continued: "We often speak of compassion. All of our lives are in some way affected by this, uniting each of us globally. How we approach each other and our communities with empathy and kindness is indisputably important right now. Over the coming weeks, this will be our guiding principle." 

It seems that — no matter where they are or what their roles are — the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are committed to being beacons of hope and positivity. 

The news of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's move to Los Angeles recently reached President Donald Trump. On March 29, the 73-year-old tweeted a statement saying that the U.S. will not be paying for the pair's security, despite his appreciation for the British royal family.

"I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom," President Trump wrote. "It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the U.S. will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!"

Markle and Harry's security costs around $1 million a year, according to The Washington Examiner. As fans may recall, the Canadian government was taking care of their security bill when they were hiding out in Vancouver Island, but that same government made it clear it would stop paying as soon as Markle and Harry stepped down as working royals.

Now, after months of announcing they want to be "financially independent," Markle and Harry will get their wish.