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Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's home could be under threat as Oprah 'builds controversial wall' at $100m mansion

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live in Montecito with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet


Prince Harry and Meghan Markle looking concerned
Matthew Moore
Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
On 22 April 2023
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle currently call Montecito their home, but their $14million house could be under threat following a controversial building at their neighbour, Oprah Winfrey's home.

Construction has begun at Oprah's $100million mansion of a boulder wall that is hoped would protect the property from potential flooding damage. Noozhawk reports that Jimenez Nursery, a Carpinteria-based company, applied for a permit using the mogul's address. However, although it's hoped to protect Oprah's residence, others have voiced concerns that it could reroute flood waters that could then have an impact on their own homes.

WATCH: Take a tour of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Montecito home

Concerns have also been rasied about whether the boulder wall would survive in the event of a flood or whether they would become a further hazard.

READ: Prince Harry 'misses' home says Meghan Markle's best friend

It is currently unknown whether Oprah has any knowledge about the wall or whether she authorised its construction.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walking with microphones© NDZ/Star Max
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex live in Montecito

Montecito is regularly hit with large rainstorms, and the construction of the wall is to replace one that was swept away on 9 January following bad weather.

Back in 2018, a series of mudslides in the town killed 23 people and lead to over 150 hospitalisations after mud and boulders fell down from the surrounding Santa Ynez Mountains.

The pair's Montecito home carries a hefty price tag, but it comes equipped with a vast kitchen and grand entranceway and even an envy-enducing family pool.

Many snippets of Harry and Meghan's home life were revealed during their Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, including a sweet moment of the family in the garden where fans got to see the pool.

Oprah Winfrey sat at home© Getty Images
Concerns about a wall at Oprah's home have been raised

Prince Harry was seen throwing oranges down from a tree to his young son Archie while Meghan was behind the camera. As the Duchess panned around the outdoor space, a corner of their outdoor pool was revealed, with Pula their dog playing nearby.

READ: Lorraine Kelly talks Prince Harry’s 'brutal' comments about Queen Consort Camilla

VIDEO: Princess Kate and Prince Harry get the giggles during royal relay

Their family residence is officially named the Chateau of Riven Rock, and it was listed on the rental platform Giggster for people to hire out for shoots and events and that gave royal fans a chance to the pool in its entirety.

It is lined with sun loungers and umbrellas around the perimeter, which at the time of the photo were all covered over and wrapped up.

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