01 August 2023 , 11:54
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would become "sitting ducks" if they took the "biggest security risk of their lives" and moved away from their Montecito mansion, according to a security expert.
The couple purchased the nine-bedroom home for $14.65million (£11.8million) in 2020, just a few months after stepping back from the Royal Family. There have now been reports that they are planning a move to Meghan's childhood home of Malibu beach.
Meghan and Harry are said have visited the area, which is already home to huge stars such as Simon Cowell, Cher, Lady Gaga, Leonardo DiCaprio, Miley Cyrus and Charlize Theron.
Kent Moyer, boss of the Beverly Hills-based World Protection Group, has warned against the move. He said paparazzi and potential intruders would be "considerably worse" in Malibu where the Sussexes profile "will be even higher".
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's home is like 'a local landmark' (Getty Images)According to the US expert, Meghan and Harry's current home is "almost a local landmark". However, he said a house in Malibu is likely to attract "ten times the attention".
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Speaking to The Express about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex potentially moving to Malibu, Kent said: "The main access road, Pacific Coast Highway, is very narrow in parts and often blocked in winter by mudslides and landslides."
He said this would make it a "nightmare" if they ever needed to escape an intrusion by car. He also warned it would be a "grave error" if the couple ever announced where they were planning to move to.
They spent $14.65million on their home (Google Earth)The publication states intruders have managed to breach the perimeter of Meghan and Harry's huge estate twice. Their alarm system is also said to have been accidentally triggered six times.
Meghan and Harry are said to be planning the Malibu move because of the close proximity to central Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, which is less than an hour away. Trips in rush hour from their Montecito home can take more than three hours.
The move would be helpful for Meghan after she signed to Hollywood talent agency William Morris Endeavour. She's said to be looking to expand her media profile as a producer and content creator.