Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, currently reside in Montecito, California, where they lead a multifaceted life centered around their Archewell foundation, high-profile media production, and global philanthropy. Since stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020, the couple has redefined modern public service through a mix of charitable initiatives, award-winning documentaries like Harry & Meghan, and advocacy for mental health and digital safety. In this guide, you will learn about the pivotal moments of their relationship timeline, the inner workings of their Archewell business and non-profit ventures, their ongoing interactions with the British Royal Family, and a practical look at their most significant public engagements scheduled for 2026. This comprehensive article explores how they transitioned from the traditional “SussexRoyal” brand to a global platform that emphasizes financial independence and social impact. The Origin Story of Harry and Meghan Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were introduced by a mutual friend in July 2016 for a blind date at Soho House in London. Their relationship progressed rapidly, with the couple traveling to Botswana shortly after their third date to spend time under the stars. The romance was officially confirmed by Kensington Palace in November 2016 through a rare statement from Harry, which addressed the “sexism and racism” Meghan faced in early media coverage. This early defense set the tone for their long-term commitment to challenging media intrusion and advocating for privacy. The Royal Wedding at Windsor The couple married on May 19, 2018, in a ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, which was watched by an estimated 1.9 billion people worldwide. Meghan wore a custom silk gown by Givenchy, and the service notably blended British royal tradition with African-American cultural elements, such as the gospel choir’s performance of “Stand By Me.” Following the wedding, they were granted the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex by Queen Elizabeth II. They initially lived at Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor estate, where they welcomed their first child, Prince Archie, in May 2019. Stepping Back: The “Megxit” Transition In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their intention to step back as “senior” members of the Royal Family to become financially independent. This historic transition, finalized in March 2020, saw the couple lose their “HRH” titles for official use and their taxpayer-funded security. The move led to their relocation first to Canada and eventually to Montecito, California. This shift allowed them to pursue private commercial deals while maintaining their charitable work, effectively creating a “hybrid” model of celebrity and public service that had never been seen before in the British monarchy. Archewell: Production and Philanthropy Archewell Inc. serves as the umbrella organization for the couple’s ventures, consisting of Archewell Foundation (non-profit), Archewell Productions, and Archewell Audio. The name is inspired by the Greek word arche, meaning “source of action,” and the concept of a deep “well” of resources. Through Archewell Productions, they secured a multi-year deal with Netflix, producing the record-breaking docuseries Harry & Meghan (2022) and the Heart of Invictus series. In August 2025, they extended this partnership, focusing on lifestyle content such as Meghan’s upcoming culinary show and the adaptation of the novel Meet Me at the Lake. Mental Health and Digital Advocacy A core pillar of Harry and Meghan’s post-royal life is their commitment to mental health, specifically the safety of children in the digital age. They frequently host summits through the Archewell Foundation, such as the 2025 World Mental Health Day Festival in New York City. Prince Harry’s role as Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp further emphasizes this focus, while Meghan has advocated for paid parental leave and female empowerment. Their work often targets “systemic” change, collaborating with tech leaders and policymakers to reduce online harm and improve emotional well-being. The Invictus Games Legacy Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games remains his most significant public legacy, using sport to aid the recovery of wounded, injured, or sick service personnel. The games have grown into a massive international event, with recent iterations in Düsseldorf and Vancouver. In July 2026, the Invictus Games will hold a “one-year-to-go” countdown event in Birmingham, UK. This event is expected to be a major homecoming for Harry, highlighting his continued devotion to the veteran community despite his distance from the UK’s military establishment. Family Life in Montecito The Sussexes live a relatively private life in their Montecito estate with their two children, Prince Archie (born 2019) and Princess Lilibet (born 2021). They often share small glimpses into their domestic life through their documentaries, emphasizing a “family-first” approach to their global schedule. Meghan’s lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, launched in 2025, reflects their California lifestyle, focusing on home, garden, and food products. This brand is a key part of their strategy to build a long-term, sustainable commercial empire outside of royal funding. Legal Battles and Media Reform Prince Harry has been a prominent figure in several high-profile legal cases against British tabloid publishers, including Mirror Group Newspapers and Associated Newspapers. He became the first senior royal in over 130 years to give evidence in court, seeking to hold the press accountable for unlawful information gathering. These legal actions are part of a broader mission to reform media standards and protect his family from the same level of intrusion that affected his mother, Princess Diana. The outcome of these cases continues to shape his relationship with the UK government and his personal security arrangements. Relationship with the Royal Family The relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family, particularly King Charles III and Prince William, remains complex and often strained. Tensions were exacerbated by the couple’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and the publication of Harry’s memoir, Spare, in 2023. Despite the distance, Harry made a quick trip to the UK in early 2024 following the King’s cancer diagnosis, signaling that the door for reconciliation remains slightly ajar. However, issues regarding security and trust continue to be significant barriers to a full family reunion. Practical Information for Supporters How to Support Archewell Donations: You can donate directly to the Archewell Foundation via their official website to support initiatives like the “Welcome Project” for displaced women. Participation: Fans can join digital safety campaigns or support the Invictus Games by purchasing merchandise or attending the events. Where to Watch/Read Netflix: Harry & Meghan, Heart of Invictus, and Live to Lead are available globally. Spotify/Audio: While their Spotify deal ended in 2023, Meghan’s Archetypes podcast is still available for streaming on most major platforms. Books: Prince Harry’s memoir Spare is available in hardcover, digital, and audiobook formats (narrated by Harry himself). Visiting Locations Windsor: St George’s Chapel is open to the public on specific days for those wanting to see the site of the royal wedding. Birmingham 2027: Planning for the Invictus Games in Birmingham should begin in late 2026 for those wishing to attend the sporting events. 2026 Outlook: What’s Next? The year 2026 is set to be a “relaunch” year for the Sussexes as Meghan’s lifestyle brand moves into full production and Prince Harry prepares for the 2027 Invictus Games. Their Netflix partnership will likely see the release of their first scripted projects, shifting their focus from autobiography to creative storytelling. Expect to see them frequently at high-profile charity galas and international tours, similar to their 2024 visits to Nigeria and Colombia. These “quasi-royal” tours allow them to maintain global visibility while promoting Archewell’s international goals. Frequently Asked Questions Do Harry and Meghan still have their royal titles? Yes, they are still the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. However, they no longer use “HRH” (His/Her Royal Highness) for official purposes or represent the King in a working capacity. Where do Prince Harry and Meghan live now? They live in Montecito, California, a coastal community near Santa Barbara. Their estate is approximately 90 miles north of Los Angeles. What is Meghan Markle’s new brand called? Her lifestyle brand is called American Riviera Orchard. It focuses on home goods, kitchenware, and specialty food items like jams and spreads. Will Harry and Meghan return to the UK for the Invictus Games? Prince Harry is expected to attend the Invictus Games countdown events in Birmingham in July 2026. Whether Meghan and the children join him usually depends on the status of their security arrangements in the UK. Are Harry and Meghan still working with Netflix? Yes, their contract with Netflix was extended in late 2025. They have several projects in development, including a cooking/lifestyle series and a film adaptation. What is the Archewell Foundation? It is a non-profit organization founded by the couple to support global communities. Its current focus includes digital wellness, mental health, and supporting families in transition. Why did Harry and Meghan leave the Royal Family? They cited the desire for financial independence, the need for a more private life for their children, and the intense, often negative, pressure from the British tabloid press. How old are Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet? As of early 2026, Prince Archie is 6 years old (born May 2019) and Princess Lilibet is 4 years old (born June 2021). Is Meghan Markle returning to acting? While she has not returned to scripted acting as of 2026, she is heavily involved in “hosting” and producing content for her Netflix projects. Final Thoughts The journey of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has evolved from a traditional royal narrative into a groundbreaking experiment in global celebrity and social impact. By 2026, the Sussexes have firmly established themselves not as “exiled royals,” but as independent power players navigating the intersection of digital advocacy, Hollywood production, and grassroots philanthropy. Their ability to command global headlines—whether through high-glamour galas like the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge or the release of data-driven impact reports—demonstrates a unique “soft power” that operates outside the constraints of Buckingham Palace. As we look toward the future, the couple’s focus is increasingly centered on sustainability and systemic change. With Meghan’s expansion into the global lifestyle market via American Riviera Orchard and Harry’s strategic preparations for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, the “Sussex brand” is transitioning from a period of self-reflection to one of active commercial and charitable expansion. While the complexities of their family relationships and ongoing media battles remain part of their story, their enduring commitment to mental health and veterans’ causes ensures they remain pivotal figures in the 21st-century cultural landscape. Read More on Kent Daily Post navigation Katie Price Allegations: Complete Timeline and Facts UK War: Comprehensive History and Strategic Outlook