Meghan Markle Plans Regular California Trips From U.K.

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is reportedly planning to undertake "regular" trips back to California to visit her mother, Doria Ragland, who will continue to reside in the United States. This comes as the Duchess and her husband, Prince Harry, are establishing their new life in the United Kingdom. Markle, aged 45, and Harry, aged 41, recently relocated to the U.K. on August 26, following a period of settling their affairs in California. They had previously purchased a mansion in Montecito for $14.65 million in 2020, where they resided with their children, Archie and Lilibet. The couple spent their final weekend in California surrounded by friends and family before their transatlantic move. Although they are reportedly settling into their new U.K. environment and exploring potential properties, Markle is said to be anticipating her return visits to Los Angeles. A source close to the couple informed People magazine that "Meghan plans to see her mom regularly. They’re incredibly close." Markle is reportedly aiming to replicate the affluent lifestyle they experienced in California, with their prospective new U.K. residence intended to mirror their expansive Montecito estate in various aspects. The Duchess is reportedly seeking a U.K. home with nine bedrooms, matching the number in their California residence, and equipped with numerous luxurious amenities. Furthermore, with Markle reportedly poised to resume her acting career, she is also said to be searching for a property that includes its own filming studio, according to information from the Daily Mail. Prince Harry, meanwhile, is reportedly prioritizing privacy and ample space, with his search focused on acquiring "a lot, and I mean a lot, of land, and no footpaths going across it to protect their privacy." While the couple is in the process of searching for their ideal U.K. dwelling, the family is reportedly staying "indefinitely" in a spare room within a friend's mansion located in the Cotswolds region. Multiple sources have indicated to an outlet that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reported their intentions for these arrangements. The couple's move to the U.K. signifies a significant shift in their lives following their departure from royal duties and their previous residence in California.