Meghan Markle has opened up about the life she shares with Prince Harry and their children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, in the United States. Since stepping away from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family in 2020, the couple has worked to build a routine that balances simplicity and privacy in Montecito, California. In an interview published by People magazine on March 3, the Duchess detailed how she manages the family’s day-to-day life, highlighting moments like preparing breakfast and cherishing time with her husband and kids. The move to the US marked a fresh start for the Sussexes, who traded the rigid protocols of monarchy for a more independent and peaceful existence.
At 43, Meghan emphasized her efforts to maintain an ordinary family dynamic despite the fame and speculation that often surround her life. She described the joy of cooking for her loved ones and the importance of creating lasting memories for her children, a sentiment rooted in her own childhood. “We’re a very close-knit family, and I love those moments,” she said, noting her morning routine that begins at 6:30 a.m., when she wakes before the kids to enjoy a quiet moment before the busy day ahead.
Her account offers a rare glimpse into the private world of the couple, who frequently make headlines over royal family tensions or personal projects. Far from the royal spotlight, Meghan and Harry appear committed to fostering a life centered on their children’s well-being and their bond as a family, reflected in daily choices like family lunches and cozy evenings watching TV together.
Everyday life in Montecito takes center stage
Relocating to the United States brought a new outlook for Meghan and Harry, who settled in Montecito after a brief stint in Canada. Known for its serenity and appeal to celebrities seeking privacy, the city has become the perfect backdrop for their family life. There, Meghan embraces her role as a mother and wife, juggling everything from tossing frozen waffles in the toaster on hectic mornings to preparing more elaborate meals for family lunches. “Our kitchen is where Mommy cooks for the family,” she shared, revealing a down-to-earth side that contrasts with her public persona as a duchess.
Simplicity, however, doesn’t mean seclusion. The family enjoys an active social life, attending dinners at friends’ homes or private venues and dining out at local restaurants. This pursuit of normalcy underscores Meghan’s desire to give her children a childhood akin to her own, filled with joyful moments around the dining table. She fondly recalled meals her mother made, like Thai chicken with spring rolls, which left a lasting impression and now inspire her own cooking.
Among the family’s favorites are fried eggs and bacon, a hit with Harry and Archie. Meghan also highlighted the convenience of relying on frozen waffles when time is short, proving that even as a global figure, she faces the same time-crunch challenges as any parent balancing a busy schedule.
How Meghan balances motherhood and social life
Raising Archie and Lilibet away from the strict traditions of royalty is a key focus for Meghan. She outlined her morning routine: after waking the kids, she helps them get dressed and heads downstairs for breakfast, a ritual she deems essential. “I love making breakfast for my family,” she said, underscoring how these small acts strengthen their family ties. Afternoons are reserved for kid-centric tasks, like putting Lilibet down for a nap, while evenings offer a chance to unwind with Harry, often over a favorite series.
Beyond the home, Meghan and Harry nurture close friendships that help keep them grounded. Dinners in private settings or restaurant outings show they haven’t forsaken socializing despite their life shift. The Duchess also reconnects with longtime friends, many based in California, where she was born and raised before moving to the UK.
Life in the US has also allowed Meghan to pursue new ventures, like her recently launched brand, American Riviera Orchard. Though the project stirred controversy over allegedly using an existing name, she remains focused on initiatives that reflect her lifestyle and values, emphasizing simplicity and sustainability.
Childhood memories shape her kitchen choices
Meghan’s connection to cooking goes beyond daily chores—it’s a bridge between her past and present. She reminisced about her mother Doria Ragland’s Thai cooking classes from her childhood. “We’d eat Thai chicken with spring rolls every week,” she recalled, noting how those flavors stuck with her. Now, as a mother, she aims to recreate that experience for Archie and Lilibet, crafting memories they can carry into adulthood.
In the Sussex household, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Meghan called it a sacred space where the family gathers for meals and conversation. This attachment reflects her practical, warm nature, evident even before her marriage to Harry when she ran a lifestyle blog called The Tig. Today, those values shine through in how she raises her kids and the projects she chooses to pursue.
The Duchess tailors the menu to her family’s tastes. While Harry and Archie favor savory dishes like eggs and bacon, she mixes it up with recipes that bring comfort and flavor. This attention to detail highlights her effort to balance motherhood with keeping the family connected through simple traditions.
Timeline of the Sussexes’ move to the US
The journey of Meghan and Harry in the United States reflects their quest for independence. Here’s a look at key milestones:
- January 2020: The couple announces their decision to step back as senior royals.
- March 2020: They relocate to Canada before settling in the US.
- July 2020: The family establishes roots in Montecito, California, in a multimillion-dollar mansion.
- 2021: Archie and Lilibet grow up away from the spotlight as Meghan and Harry launch ventures like Archewell.
- March 2025: Meghan shares insights into their family routine, showcasing their adaptation to life in a new country.
This timeline underscores how swiftly the couple reshaped their lives post-royalty, prioritizing privacy and their children’s upbringing in a freer environment.
Challenges and criticism follow their new chapter
Even with their seemingly peaceful life, Meghan’s US journey isn’t without hurdles. Her American Riviera Orchard brand recently faced backlash for allegedly borrowing a name already in use, sparking debates online and in the media. Additionally, rumors of royal family friction persist, including reports that Queen Camilla opposes Meghan’s presence at King Charles’ funeral, as noted in British tabloids.
Meghan also announced her intent to be called Meghan Sussex, a move that polarized opinions. Some view it as a bid to solidify her identity beyond royalty, while others see it as further distancing from the monarchy. These controversies, though, don’t seem to disrupt the routine she describes with such warmth, centered on family and normalcy.
Another highlight is a promise from Harry, shared by Meghan, to “keep things alive” in their marriage. While she didn’t elaborate, the phrase hints at their mutual dedication to sustaining their bond amid life’s shifts and challenges.
What the routine says about the Sussexes
Living in Montecito has given Meghan and Harry the freedom to craft the life they envisioned, unshackled by royal rules. The routine she described—breakfasts together and quiet nights—reveals a couple that treasures the mundane amid the extraordinary. For Meghan, cooking and caring for her kids anchor the family in a world that often thrusts them into the limelight. Choosing a quieter life also reflects their aim to shield Archie and Lilibet from the scrutiny Harry endured growing up.
Simplicity, though, doesn’t erase obstacles. The Sussexes remain under scrutiny, whether for professional endeavors or personal matters. Still, Meghan appears resolute in moving forward, juggling motherhood, marriage, and future plans like expanding American Riviera Orchard and other upcoming projects.
For fans and onlookers, Meghan’s account offers a peek into the life she and Harry have built in the US. It’s a blend of normalcy and uniqueness, where frozen waffles coexist with global fame, and family love takes center stage in their story.