Huge cost of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s £12m mansion upkeep amid new product release

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are continuing to live in their luxury mansion as the Duchess reveals her latest addition to her lifestyle brand. The Sussexes, who live in their multi-million property, have set out on several business ventures since they quit life in the UK. And with the property spanning over five acres of land, with gardens, a pool and a tennis court, it is no wonder why they haven’t stopped to relax. The mega mansion, which is located in California, is said to cost thousands of pounds every year just to look after it. Owner of real estate company Bramlett Residential, Eric Bramlett, revealed what it takes to upkeep a property like Meghan and Harry’s. He told Fabulous Magazine: “Managing a $14 million (£12 million) mansion like Harry and Meghan’s in Montecito takes a lot of work.” Eric explained upkeep would come with “high-operating costs” and require about “10-15” staff members including private chefs, groundsmen, security, and housekeepers. This is despite utility bills and renovation repairs. Eric added: “It’s like running a small boutique hotel with residential service. The costs pile up quick, but it comes with luxury living.” Over the years the Hollywood couple have voiced their hopes of keeping their family life out of the public eye and have seemingly succeeded with the intensely private estate on an 18,000-square-foot property surrounded by trees and greenery. According to Page Six, the lavish home features nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, all imbued with a combination of modern and Victorian architectural elements for the family of four. There is even a chicken coop in the gardens with “Archie’s Chick Inn”, which has rescue hens. It also featured a stone fireplace with metal doors emblazoned with majestic filigree and a number of bright green house plants of various sizes and species that get plenty of natural light through the tall windows and round-top French doors. With so many expenses to keep ahead of, it is no wonder why Meghan has extended her lifestyle brand to condiments. The former actress recently shared her new artisan jam range with the public and sent out 50 jars of the product to celebrity friends. Celebrity PR expert Waylon Tate commended Meghan for launching what seems to be a solo project. He said: “What I’ve seen so far, although she’s been pretty clandestine about it everything surrounding this new brand, is that it’s Meghan and it’s Meghan alone. You can even see it on Instagram. It’s not Meghan and Harry – it’s by Meghan.” He added: “This is the emancipation of Meghan. It’s her saying, ‘I’m a smart, savvy businesswoman. And here’s an introduction to my family on my terms’.”