The Duke and Duchess of Sussex may be forced to evacuate their family home amid fears of flooding and mudslides
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could reportedly be forced to leave their Montecito mansion with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet because of growing concerns about severe weather.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently returned to California after spending part of the summer in Europe. However, their family could face disruption as forecasts point to an increased risk of flooding and dangerous mudslides in the area this autumn.
Residents of the nearby La Vuelta neighbourhood, close to San Ysidro Creek, have reportedly met Santa Barbara County officials to demand urgent flood-prevention measures. Locals are particularly concerned about the possibility of extreme conditions linked to a “super El Niño.”
Harry and Meghan’s gated community is located near waterways associated with the deadly Montecito debris flows of 2018, which claimed 23 lives and caused widespread destruction.
According to the Montecito Journal, authorities are working on a long-term solution to reduce the danger. Nevertheless, residents remain anxious about whether enough will be done to protect homes from a more immediate threat.
The Sussexes have lived in their multimillion-dollar mansion since shortly after stepping away from their positions as senior working royals. The property has since become their main family home in the United States.
If officials order an evacuation, Harry and Meghan could stay with friends elsewhere in California. They have also reportedly acquired another holiday property, although the couple have not publicly confirmed the claim.
With several close friends in the state, the Sussexes would likely prefer to remain in the US until it is safe for them and their children to return home.
