Meghan Markle’s Californian Comfort: Duchess Expresses Profound Relief in Candid Conversation with Gloria Steinem

In a highly anticipated preview clip from her enlightening sit-down interview with legendary feminist icon Gloria Steinem, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, conveyed a palpable sense of relief and contentment regarding her relocation from the United Kingdom to the sun-drenched shores of California. Her tone suggested a woman who had found her footing and was embracing a new chapter, far removed from the intense glare of royal life.

Meghan Markle, now 42 (article context indicates age in 2020), has unequivocally found solace in her decision to return to the United States with her husband, Prince Harry, 39 (article context indicates age in 2020). The couple’s groundbreaking move, famously dubbed “Megxit,” saw them relinquish their roles as senior working members of the British Royal Family and embark on a quest for greater independence and privacy. Esteemed activist Gloria Steinem extended a warm welcome back to the Duchess during their profound conversation for the MAKERS Women series, which was fully released on August 26, 2020. However, even a day prior, fans were given a tantalizing glimpse into this historic exchange, capturing Meghan’s genuine sentiments about her significant life transition and return to her home country.

The profound sentiment from the Duchess became clear early in the preview clip when Gloria Steinem warmly told Meghan, “…So glad that you’re home.” To this, Meghan responded with heartfelt sincerity, “Me, too, for so many reasons.” While the exact “reasons” were not immediately elaborated upon in that specific snippet, it is widely understood that a significant factor for the couple was their desire for a life independent of the rigid protocols and intense media scrutiny inherent in their former royal roles in the U.K. The relentless coverage by British tabloids, often seen as intrusive and hostile, undoubtedly played a part in their decision to seek a different environment. This quest for autonomy and a respite from the constant public gaze likely contributed to her feeling of immense relief. Instead of delving deeper into the past, Meghan gracefully pivoted to discuss more pressing matters, such as the critical importance of voting in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, highlighting her passion for civic engagement now that she had the freedom to speak on such topics.

The world was undeniably shaken in January 2020 when Meghan and Harry made their pivotal announcement, expressing their firm intention to “step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent” while thoughtfully balancing their “time between the United Kingdom and North America.” This unprecedented decision, which quickly became known as “Megxit,” initiated a series of intense negotiations with Buckingham Palace. Later that same month, a definitive agreement was reached, detailing the terms of their departure. This accord stipulated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would no longer receive “public funds for royal duties,” would cease using their His/Her Royal Highness titles, and would relinquish their official roles as “working members of the Royal Family” by the spring of 2020. This landmark resolution was officially communicated by Buckingham Palace in a statement that underscored the significant shift in their relationship with the monarchy.

With all the intricate details painstakingly worked out and the terms of their new life established, Meghan, Harry, and their young son, Prince Archie, who was then one year old, embarked on their initial move to Vancouver Island in Canada. This temporary relocation offered them a taste of North American life and relative anonymity. However, by March of 2020, amidst the burgeoning global health crisis with the coronavirus outbreak rapidly spreading across the U.S., Peoplemagazine reported that the couple had made another significant move, transitioning to Los Angeles. This choice was deeply personal for Meghan, as it brought them closer to her mother, Doria Ragland, providing a vital support system as they navigated their new lives. By July 2020, after a few months in the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, the family found their permanent sanctuary, settling into their new home in Santa Barbara. This idyllic, beachside city, renowned for its tranquility and privacy, is conveniently located approximately a two-hour drive north of Los Angeles, offering the perfect blend of Californian lifestyle and secluded family life.

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved into their family home in July of this year. They have settled into the quiet privacy of their community since their arrival and hope that this will be respected for their neighbors, as well as for them as a family,” Meghan and Harry’s representative confirmed to Entertainment Tonight on August 12, 2020. This statement underscored their fervent desire for a more private existence, a stark contrast to their previous lives in the royal spotlight. The couple’s new residence, a sprawling $14.7 million estate nestled in the exclusive Montecito enclave of Santa Barbara, offers the space and seclusion they craved. Later that month, the new homeowners even offered a rare glimpse inside their stunning California mansion during a video meeting with members of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. During this virtual engagement, they spoke warmly and admiringly about the Queen’s “legacy,” a clear indication that their departure from royal duties was not driven by personal animosity but rather a pursuit of a different path for their family. This public expression of respect helped to quell rumors of any lingering bad blood between the Sussexes and the wider Royal Family.

The move to Santa Barbara represented a significant turning point, a deliberate step towards a life that felt more authentic and grounded for Meghan and Harry. A source close to the couple also toldHollywoodLifeEXCLUSIVELY towards the end of August 2020, “They feel that this move has given them a chance at a sense of a normal life.” This pursuit of “normalcy” was a driving force behind their monumental decision, seeking an environment where they could raise Archie away from the intense media scrutiny that had plagued their time in the UK. The insider further added, “They are very happy. They love the house but they will be making some changes to make it their own so they’re in that phase now. Meghan has a great eye for design and great taste so everything will be beautiful. She’s very excited to make this house their home.” This insight reveals not just a physical relocation, but an emotional and personal investment in building a sanctuary where they can thrive as a family, pursuing their philanthropic endeavors and embracing the Californian lifestyle with open arms. Their new home symbolizes a fresh start, a canvas upon which they are painting the next chapter of their lives, marked by privacy, purpose, and profound contentment.