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In just a few short months, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry have completely transformed their lives. Though the pair tried to adjust to life as a married couple within the British royal family, they never quite fit in. From the moment they got married, they have been the subjects of rumors and scrutiny within the press and public. The British tabloids, in particular, got so bad that the Sussexes decided that working as senior royals was no longer a feasible option for them.

Though many assumed the duo would be setting up a new life in Canada following their Megxit announcement, the duke and duchess have surprised everyone by choosing Los Angeles as their permanent North American residence.

Amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Sussexes’ launch of their new Archewell foundation has been put on hold. However, that hasn’t stopped them from giving back. The two have been spotted around LA delivering food with Project Angel Food to some of the most vulnerable people in the city. As they’ve been searching for their new permanent home the pair are also renting a “paparazzi-proof” mansion.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have had different experiences in LA so far

Ultimately, the Sussexes chose to move their lives to LA because it’s close to their powerhouse Hollywood team as they launch Archewell. Though the coronavirus has altered their plans drastically, the duchess is thrilled to be back home and close to her mother. “Meghan is really starting to feel like herself again,” a royal source told US Weekly.

However, for Prince Harry who has lived within the royal fold for his entire life, California has been quite the adjustment.  “With the royals in isolation, there isn’t much they can do, although I suspect Harry will probably be feeling far from home right now,” royal expert Katie Nicholl said. “They won’t want to take any risks by traveling, and their priority is to keep Archie settled and in a routine. I think they will come to the U.K. when it is safer to do so.”

In fact, the prince’s good friend Jane Goodall revealed that he’s facing several challenges as he defines himself in the non-royal world. “I don’t know how his career is going to map out, but yes, I’ve been in touch, though I think he’s finding life a bit challenging just now,” she told the Radio Times, according to The Guardian.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could have real issues with the paparazzi

Considering the issues that the Sussexes faced with the tabloids in the U.K., many people were stunned that they chose LA as their home base. Living in Hollywood isn’t exactly low-key living. As we all know, the paparazzi can be rather ruthless when it comes to hounding celebrities.

“They will get photographed and there will be a different photographer working on him,” a British photographer told Yahoo U.K. “There are a lot photographers in LA daily, up to 100.  In London, there is only a handful each day. In the UK, we are not allowed to follow them, doorstep them, we work off our leads, our information. We work out where they could be based on their engagements. LA paparazzi don’t play by the rules, they will follow them, they are considered fair game. Meghan is an actress, they are in a weird limbo, they have protection and they are trying to make money. They are going to get photographed a lot more and there is not much they can do.”

Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s ‘paparazzi-proof’ mansion

Up until now, the only details we knew about the Sussexes’ LA home is that they are renting a Hollywood compound until they find their permanent home. Now, we have more information.

The Sun is reporting that the royal pair are renting a $10 million mansion located in a gated community. The home boasts a pool, landscaped gardens, and a gym. Those all sound like amazing items to have right now during quarantining. However, the one feature that lured the Sussexes is that this mansion is paparazzi-proof.

“The market is dive-bombing at the moment so a permanent move seems some time away,” a source explained to The Sun. “So they have tried to make life as comfortable as possible in their rented house, and have found a wonderful complex away from prying eyes…It is accessible through two guarded checkpoints, and prides itself on being ‘paparazzi-proof’. Most houses here are enormous and quite a few celebs live nearby, including Elton [John]. If they can’t move for another few months, at least they will be happy and very comfortable here.”

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