Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are once again in the media spotlight, this time over a rather curious detail involving a grand piano, supposedly gifted by Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry.
According to Meghan, this piano was a thoughtful housewarming present for their lavish Montecito mansion. However, there’s more to the story: the grand piano was reportedly already part of the property when they bought it. Meghan’s claim has raised some eyebrows, as it suggests she received a “gift” that was simply another piece of furniture left behind by the previous owners. This twist raises questions about the narrative Meghan often presents, particularly in light of her previous statements about feeling objectified during her time on Deal or No Deal.
One might wonder if this claim is part of a broader narrative Meghan has woven since her entry into royal life. Their Montecito estate, which they nicknamed “The Olive Garden Mansion”—a moniker that evokes images of casual Italian dining rather than royal elegance—holds a few surprises of its own. Notably, it features a stripper pole in the home gym, which is a peculiar choice given Meghan’s history of criticizing objectification.
While some may argue that a pole is just another fitness accessory, it’s hard not to chuckle at the contrast. Here we have Meghan, who once openly lamented being objectified, now owning a mansion equipped with a pole in a home gym—adding a touch of irony to their carefully cultivated image. The mansion’s decor, too, has drawn criticism; with its outdated style and furnishings that look more suited to an octogenarian’s retirement home, the estate seems oddly out of step with modern luxury.
This dissonance extends beyond mere decor. For all the couple’s declarations about their ambitions and upscale lifestyle, they haven’t even updated the flocked wallpaper in the screening room. Could this neglect reflect a financial strain they would rather keep private? Owning such an enormous estate undoubtedly comes with substantial expenses—likely far higher than their current cash flow can support. Although Meghan and Harry have hinted at plans to purchase land in Portugal, possibly to enhance their cosmopolitan appeal, this notion might be little more than smoke and mirrors. One can't help but wonder if this grand piano, allegedly "gifted" by Tyler Perry, serves more as a symbol of echoing silence than of opulent living, much like the uncertainty surrounding their financial future.
Then there’s the much-publicized chicken coop, which they’ve showcased as if it’s some grand rural installation. While it’s endearing, the coop hardly speaks to the high-end lifestyle they imply they’re living. Missing from the scene are luxurious amenities like a glittering poolside setup or lush terraces—elements one might expect in a mansion of this stature. Each glimpse inside their estate, however, reveals something else: empty rooms, dated decor, and a lack of personal flair, almost as though they’re staging the property more for publicity than for actual living. Rumors abound that they might not reside there full-time. Early real estate listings hinted that the mansion could be rented for events, suggesting the possibility that the house might be more of a set for Netflix projects than a genuine family home.
Maintaining such a sprawling estate is no small feat, with annual upkeep costs reportedly soaring over a million dollars. Given that Harry and Meghan’s income streams—like their Spotify deal—have been drying up, questions arise about whether this property was a sound investment or an ill-advised attempt to uphold an aspirational image. As they continue to navigate their post-royal lives, one wonders whether they’re living in the shadow of their own expectations, with an extravagant mansion that may ultimately prove more burdensome than beneficial.
