Prince Harry, Meghan Markle ‘hunting for new estate’ in Hope Ranch: report

Less than three years after settling into their $22 million Californian compound, the former frontline royals are making a huge change.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be moving from Montecito, California, to the Hope Ranch community.

The Santa Barbara News-Press reported on Friday that the couple have been “hunting” for a new place as theirs no longer “properly accommodate[s]” them, reports the New York Post.

Hope Ranch is a private community about 16 kilometres away from Montecito, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved in March 2020 with their son, Archie, now 3.

Since living in California, the pair have gone on to welcome daughter Lilibet, 1.

The family of four’s possible new neighbourhood doesn’t just boast a members-only country club and a golf club, but also includes access to tennis courts, picnic grounds and a network of equestrian trails (via Daily Mail.)

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly looking at upgrading to the Hope Estate community. Picture: Sem van der Wal/ANP/AF

Homes in the area can reportedly reach as high as $22 million (A$34 million). The outlet is unclear whether the former military pilot, 38, and his wife, 41, have already purchased a new place there or are just looking.

The duo’s alleged relocation efforts come two months after news broke that their $14 million ($A22 million) home was the victim of multiple intruder scares in May.

The couple’s current home in Montecito, Santa Barbara. Picture: Supplied

Harry and the Suits alum recently returned to California after jetting across the pond in August for multiple charity events — and staying through most of September after Queen Elizabeth II’s unexpected passing.

The duke rushed to the monarch’s side in Balmoral, Scotland, as she was placed under “medical supervision” on September 8, but Her Majesty died before his arrival.

He and Meghan remained in England for the late sovereign’s September 19 funeral, flying back home soon after the service.

Before their visit came to a close, however, the couple made headlines for many rare interactions with Prince William, Kate Middleton, King Charles III and more family members.

They briefly reunited with Prince William and Princess Kate amid official mourning duties. Picture: Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Tensions have been high since the couple quit the royal family in January 2020, making their exit official in February of the following year.

Oprah Winfrey expressed hope last month that the royals can find peace in their mourning period, calling Elizabeth’s death a chance for amends.

“When all families come together for a common ceremony, the ritual of, you know, burying your dead, there’s an opportunity for peacemaking,” the journalist, 68, explained to Extra.

Later that same month, Winfrey’s friend Gayle King told the outlet that “there have been efforts on both sides to sort of make this right,” but whether there will be healing remains to be “see[n].”

The 67-year-old CBS This Morning host added, “I will tell you this: It was good to see Harry standing with his family.”

One of Elizabeth’s “dearest wishes” was for her grandson to “patch things up” with his loved ones, royal author Robert Hardman recently revealed.

This article originally appeared in the New York Post and was reproduced with permission.