The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has recently shared a glimpse into her home life through Instagram, showcasing an amusing gift related to her family’s pets — a flock of rescue chickens. As Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, prepare for an extended stay in the UK, the couple’s feathered companions will remain behind in their Californian abode.
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After months of speculation, it has been confirmed that the Duke and Duchess will be residing in the UK with their two young children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. According to information revealed by PEOPLE on 19 August, the family is set to arrive in late August to establish a private home base in Britain. Though they have not yet purchased a house, they will maintain their residence in Montecito, California.
Among the details shared, it was noted that their ten rescue chickens would be staying put in California, where they have received dedicated care. The chickens were originally rescued from a commercial factory farm, with an additional bird gifted to the couple by their neighbour, Ellen DeGeneres. The couple made headlines during their landmark interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 when they introduced viewers to their clucking companions and revealed the cosy chicken coop they named “Archie’s Chick Inn,” evidently inspired by their elder son.
In a light-hearted post shared on Instagram Stories on 25 August, Meghan entertained her followers by displaying a decorative hand towel emblazoned with a quirky slogan. Accompanied by the cheerful tune “Chicken Fried” by the Zac Brown Band, she showcased the towel that read: “People who take care of chickens are literally chicken tenders,” giving insight into her affection for her rescued hens.
Meghan frequently includes her chickens in her social media posts, often sharing heartwarming moments of her children helping out with feeding and caring for the birds. The family enjoys activities such as collecting eggs and spending time together at what they affectionately call their “chick-nic table.” The chickens even featured in an episode of her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan,” where she explained the rehabilitation process for the hens, taking six months to help them recover from their previous lives.
While Meghan embraces the new chapter in the UK, sources indicate that Prince Harry has struggled to make a firm connection in California. Reports suggest that he misses the community and companionship he enjoyed during his time in Britain. A source close to the couple shared with PEOPLE that Harry has always had a longing for home, feeling unmoored without his established friendships and connections.
The decision to return to the UK was described as a collective choice made by the couple, demonstrating a commitment to provide their children with a diverse cultural experience. An insider from Montecito expressed that Meghan feels fortunate that Archie and Lilibet can navigate both their British heritage and their life in America.
This upcoming move appears to be a step towards reconnecting with their roots while maintaining their distinctive lifestyle. As the family prepares for their new adventure, fans are left with a sense of anticipation about how their lives will unfold back across the pond. Whether they will embrace UK traditions or continue their unique California-inspired approach to parenting remains to be seen.
As the Duke and Duchess embark on this new chapter, their chickens will carry on their sunny existence in Montecito, cared for and cherished while the family explores life in the UK. As Meghan has noted, balancing their time between two countries offers significant opportunities for their children, allowing them to appreciate and engage with various cultures as they grow.