Following their departure from senior royal duties, Prince Harry is said to have favored settling in countries like New Zealand or South Africa, but the couple ultimately moved to the United States. Sources indicate this decision aligned more closely with his wife’s professional objectives than his personal preferences for a quieter life.
Insiders familiar with the situation claim the Duke of Sussex had initially envisioned a life split between the United Kingdom and a more private location abroad. He reportedly saw this as a way to continue his charitable work while escaping intense media scrutiny. Specific destinations he championed allegedly included Cape Town, due to its proximity to his conservation interests, and New Zealand.
These aspirations were reportedly detailed in his memoir, where he reflected on the desire for freedom from press intrusion and “drama.” He wrote about proposing a part-year arrangement to senior family members, suggesting it received initial approval before the idea was allegedly leaked to the press, causing the plan to collapse.
According to these accounts, the move to California represented a significant pivot from Harry’s original vision. Sources suggest he felt outmaneuvered as discussions shifted toward a permanent base in the U.S., a location seen as more conducive to pursuing opportunities in entertainment and business. One insider described Africa as a place where Harry had historically found peace, making the transition to American life more challenging for him.
Advisers at the time reportedly observed a fundamental difference in their motivations; he was seeking refuge, while she was seeking a platform. The draw of California, with its established infrastructure for their commercial and media ventures, ultimately proved decisive, sidelining the Duke’s preference for a more remote, low-profile existence.
