Prince Harry and Meghan Markle can’t help but generate headlines around the world by virtue of being royals in self-imposed exile, but one of their close friends says life behind the scenes at home in Montecito, Calif., is surprisingly ordinary.
Chef José Andrés — the founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides emergency food relief following natural disasters and humanitarian crises — has known the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for years. He recently offered his impression of their private world, telling People that despite the attention they can’t help but attract, the couple has managed to maintain a “normal life” in California.
As Andrés tells it, Harry and Meghan have built a family-centered home, remain deeply involved in their community and continue supporting causes they care about — all while raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, far from the royal spotlight they left behind in 2020.
Just like every other family
Chef and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés opened up about his friends Prince Harry and Meghan Markle while discussing his new cookbook, “Spain My Way.” By: ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
According to Andrés, one of the biggest misconceptions about Harry and Meghan is that their daily lives are dramatically different from everyone else’s.
But in fact, the chef said, the couple’s home revolves around the same kinds of routines and conversations that take place in households everywhere.
“They made their kitchen the meeting place like every other family,” Andrés said. Whenever he spends time with the Sussexes, their chats tend to focus on everyday topics.
“When we see each other or when we have conversations, we talk about what everybody else talks [about], right? Life, family, good times, new dish, new restaurant,” he shared.
Life in Montecito with family and friends
Chef José Andrés joined Meghan Markle on the season 2 finale of her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan,” offering viewers a glimpse into the friendship that grew out of years of humanitarian work together. By: Courtesy of Netflix
Andrés also praised Meghan’s parenting style, particularly the way she incorporates food and family into daily life.
“I love how Meghan interacts with her children and food,” he told People.
Viewers got a peek at Andrés’ friendship with Meghan when he appeared on the former Suits actress’ Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, in 2025. During the finale of the show’s second season — where he joined her to prepare a seaside-style feast, making paella, oysters and lobster together for a backyard meal that was enjoyed by the entire production team — Meghan shared a detail about her husband’s food preferences with the restaurateur.
“You know who doesn’t like lobster? My husband,” Meghan told Andrés. “And you married him anyway?” the chef joked in response.
A friendship rooted in service
In February, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry toured World Central Kitchen’s regional headquarters in Amman, Jordan, during a humanitarian trip where they saw firsthand how the nonprofit was handling food relief efforts throughout the region, including support for aid operations in Gaza. By: MEGA
Harry and Meghan’s friendship with Andrés grew through charitable work.
His nonprofit organization, World Central Kitchen, became the first partner of Archewell Philanthropies, the charitable foundation Harry and Meghan launched after stepping back from the British royal family and starting over in Meghan’s native California.
The organization provides meals and assistance to communities affected by disasters around the world, often arriving quickly when emergencies strike.
Reflecting on the nonprofit’s mission, Andrés told People, “In the worst moments of humanity, you see the best of humanity shows up.”
Helping when nobody is looking
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have called Montecito, Calif., home since purchasing a $14.65 million estate there in 2020. The couple, who enjoy the luxe enclave’s laid-back lifestyle, have been seen at local restaurants and farmers’ markets. By: MEGA
Though the public knows that Andrés and the Sussexes have worked together for years, some of Harry and Meghan’s most meaningful contributions happen outside public view, he explained.
He told People that he regularly receives calls and text messages from the couple whenever disasters occur, and their message is simple. “What can we do here and can we help you?” he shared. “Nobody finds out about those moments and they do it often, all the time.”
One example the world does know about came amid the wildfires that devastated parts of Los Angeles in January 2025. Harry and Meghan joined World Central Kitchen’s relief efforts in Pasadena, Calif., helping distribute food and supplies to victims while thanking volunteers and first responders.
“They are always caring about all the things happening in the world. They don’t have to do that,” Andrés said. “They sincerely do it because they care.”
According to Andrés, “They can decide to live a life in the comfort of their home, but I love that they are there even when nobody’s looking, they’re there just making sure that they can also be part of the solution. That’s why I’m very proud to call them friends.”
California feels like home
Since moving to the United States, Harry has spoken about finding a sense of peace and belonging on the West Coast.
“Home for me now is … in the States, and it feels that way as well. We’ve been welcomed with open arms and have such a great community in Santa Barbara,” Harry told Hoda Kotb during a 2022 Today show interview. The British army veteran added that he feels “massively at peace” in America.
In a February 2024 interview with Good Morning America, he told journalist Will Reeve that he loves living in the U.S. “It’s amazing. I love every single day,” Harry said. When Reeve asked if he’d consider becoming a U.S. citizen, Harry said, “I have considered it, yeah.”
More recently, during an October 2025 appearance on the “Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know” podcast, Harry did his best American accent and addressed the U.S. citizenship question again, telling host Hasan Minhaj, “There are no plans to be, at this point.” Harry also revealed that the “most American” thing he probably does is surf.