PRINCE Harry may have left behind royal palaces - but he now lives in a swanky £12million pad with Meghan Markle that comes with some rather large costs.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex splashed out their Montecito mansion in 2020 and they were informed there was a one drawback with the property.
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The problem was the nine-bedroom home already had some very particular residents who called it home… the koi carp in the pond.
Writing in his bombshell memoir Spare, Prince Harry wrote: “We found a place.
“Priced at a steep discount. Just up the coast, outside Santa Barbara.
“Lots of room, large gardens, a climbing frame—even a pond with koi carp.
“No, the agent explained, the koi need very particular care.”
The Duke of Sussex revealed he was informed that he would have to “hire a koi guy” for the stressed fish, and he had enquired as to where to find a specialist.
He continued: “The agent wasn’t sure. We laughed. First-world problems.”
According to Aquatic Veterinary Services, a mobile veterinary practice taking care of pet fish in California, a fish examination can cost $300 (£231) for an initial service fee plus mileage costs, and then $25 (£19) per fish.
Property next to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Montecito mansion on the market for $22million
Following diagnostics, further blood work or ultrasound tests can be recommended by veterinary staff at extra cost, plus any treatment needed.
However, the fish costs are a drop in the water compared to the property price itself, with Meghan and Harry securing a $9.5million (£7.2million) mortgage for their 7.4-acre home, after putting down a hefty deposit.
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Harry’s ‘dream’ home
The couple appear to be delighted with their new pad, with Harry writing: “We took a tour. The place was a dream.
“So we pulled together a down-payment, took out a mortgage, and in July 2020 we moved in.”
He said the move only took a couple of hours as everything they owned had fitted into 13 suitcases - and they had a quiet drink in celebration and roasted a chicken for dinner.
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The koi were stressed, the estate agent warned. So are we. We’ll all get along famously
Prince Harryin Spare
When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties, they said they would work toward becoming what they called "financially independent."
So far they have secured deals with Netflix and Spotify, with Harry’s book bringing in a $20million (£15million) advance from publisher Penguin Random House, according to
The sprawling 16-bath home is located in a star-studded enclave in California and sits on 5.4 acres of land.
Fit for royalty, it features a library, office, spa, gym, game room, wine cellar and five-car garage, it's believed.