Meghan Markle ‘makes the decisions and runs the household’: Friend says the ‘dynamic works for her and Prince Harry’ who ’embraces the life he has’ in California – where the Duke has a ‘beer and steak-and-potato’ is male
Meghan Markle “makes the decisions” in her and Prince Harry’s lives, but the pair are “really happy together” despite significant issues since moving to California, a friend of the couple said.
A friend of the couple provides an insight into life at the Sussexes’ home in Montecito and has described how the household runs and says the couple prefers the small scene to big social events.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not been seen together in public much in recent months, following the release of their Netflix series Harry and Meghan and the publication of Harry’s book Spare.
The source told People that the couple, who announced their retirement as working royals three years ago, are “embracing” their new life on their $14.65 million estate, raising their children on the property, complete with chicken coops, a vegetable garden and a playground.
It follows a turbulent few months for the king’s youngest son following the row over claims made in his book and a brief appearance at his father’s coronation in May, where he spent just a few hours in the UK.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seen leaving Tre Lune, a restaurant favored by celebrities including Kourtney Kardashian, on Thursday
The couple has had a turbulent year following the release of their Netflix docuseries (pictured)
A supposed friend of the couple told the magazine that they seem very happy with their new life in the sun – claiming their dynamic is one that “needs Harry.”
They said, “Meghan seems to be running the household and making the decisions, but it’s not like he bows to her. It’s just a dynamic that works for them, and maybe one he needs after all he’s been through.”
The Sussexes mostly keep to themselves in California, but they do have a select circle of friends, including a tight-knit group of celebrities.
They are said to work from a shared office on their estate, often eschewing expensive parties or nights out for smaller gatherings at home – with a particular fondness for karaoke.
Harry, 38, and Meghan, who turned 42 today, prefer takeout pizza from Bettina, an Italian loved by celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Catherine Reitman.
But otherwise the prince is seen as a ‘beer and steak and potatoes’ sort of thing, although he does break out here for special occasions such as a date night at Tre Lune exclusive restaurantwho visited the couple Thursday night with boyfriend Matt Cohen.
At home, the friend says Harry and Meghan are united parents, who agree on family values and how to raise them.
“The kids are their world,” the source added.
Despite knowing that royal life wasn’t “a world they wanted for their family,” Harry and Meghan have faced some harsh realities since leaving to raise their children away from the firm’s spotlight .
At home, the boyfriend says Harry and Meghan are united parents, agreeing on family values and how to raise them
The couple appeared in high spirits on their way home on the eve of Meghan’s birthday
The friend shared how Meghan ‘makes the decisions’, but added that Harry has a dynamic ‘need’
Prince Harry pictured leaving the UK after the coronation ceremony on May 6
The couple’s relationship with King Charles III (left) and the rest of the royal family doesn’t seem to have improved
Having signed large multi-million pound deals with giants Netflix and Spotify, as well as Harry’s own book deal, they have since faced hurdles, including the loss of the Spotify partnership.
Meghan hosted a series of her Archetype podcast on the platform, but it has not been renewed by the streaming service and the couple announced in June that they had ‘mutually’ agreed to part ways.
They’ve also struggled to break into Hollywood, despite Meghan’s background as an actress on the hit series Suits.
While their docuseries Harry and Meghan has been widely viewed around the world, experts say their brand is a tough sell due to the drama surrounding it that raises customer expectations.
Their Archewell foundation has also had some bumps in the road, with several staff members previously leaving the organization, leaving the couple with multiple roles to try and fill.
Their relationship with the rest of the royal family doesn’t seem to have improved in recent months, despite the heat that has subsided over allegations about members of the family in their past projects.
The Prince and Princess of Wales posted on social media today, but made no mention of Meghan’s birthdayin an approach that differs from previous years.
Representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been contacted for comment.