This financial windfall paved the way for their relocation to Santa Barbara. However, their stay in the vicinity of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle turned out to be brief. Michael, who has been courageously battling Parkinson's disease since his late twenties, openly shared with People magazine in 2021 that their decision to move was primarily driven by a yearning for tranquility.
In his own words, Michael explained, "We sold our New York property and sought refuge in Santa Barbara for a few months. However, we found that the area wasn't as peaceful as we'd hoped, largely due to our close proximity to the former Royals, Meghan and Harry." He expressed their desire for a quiet and private haven while lamenting the presence of relentless stalkers and intrusive cameras that often plagued the area.
It's worth noting that Meghan has faced allegations of stalking and harassment directed at several high-profile individuals, including Catherine, Angelina, Julie, and Amal Clooney, among others. Michael and Tracy alluded to their intention to make a subsequent move to Malibu later in the year, reiterating their earnest desire for a serene and secluded sanctuary.
However, concerns arose when reports surfaced about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exploration of an $18 million mansion in the Malibu area. This sparked further speculation that the royal family might be contemplating relocating closer to Hollywood, potentially bidding adieu to Santa Barbara.
Shifting gears, experts have recently begun discussing Meghan Markle's rumored interest in a political career. In an interview with Express UK, Pauline McLaren, a professor of marketing and consumer research at Royal Hollow, shared her insights on Meghan's political aspirations.
She critiqued Meghan's use of her Duchess of Sussex title while advocating for parental leave, deeming it an inappropriate mix. In Miss McLaren's opinion, this indicates a lack of a clear direction, as Meghan appears to want to leverage her title as a status symbol while pursuing a political role in the United States.
Miss McLaren believes that Meghan must develop a well-defined strategy and be prepared to overcome numerous obstacles if she aims to make a successful foray into politics. Drawing parallels to Arnold Schwarzenegger's entry into politics later in life, Miss McLaren highlighted the hurdles Meghan faces, stemming from past public ridicule and portrayals, such as those seen in South Park. Concluding her thoughts, Miss McLaren expressed her reservations about Meghan's political aspirations, citing the considerable challenges that lie ahead.