Meghan Markle ‘makes the decisions and runs the household’: Friend says the ‘dynamic works for her and Prince Harry’ who is ’embracing the life he has’ in California – where the Duke is a ‘beer and steak-and-potato’ man

Meghan Markle ‘makes the decisions’ in her and Prince Harry‘s lives, but the couple are ‘really happy together’ despite significant hiccups since their move to California, a friend to the pair has said.

Giving an insight into life at the Sussexes’ home in Montecito, a friend of the couple has described how the household runs and says the couple enjoy the small scene rather than huge social events.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not been seen together in public often in recent months, after the release of their Netflix series Harry and Meghan and the publication of Harry’s book Spare.

The source told People that the couple, who announced their retirement as working royals three years ago, are ’embracing’ their new life at their $14.65 million estate, bringing up their children in the grounds complete with chicken coops, a vegetable garden and playground.

It follows a turbulent few months for the King’s youngest son following the fallout over claims made in his book and a brief appearance at his father’s coronation in May, where he stayed in the UK for just a handful of hours.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seen leaving Tre Lune on Thursday, a restaurant favoured by celebrities including Kourtney Kardashian

The couple have had a turbulent year after the release of their Netflix docuseries (pictured)

A supposed friend of the couple told the magazine that they seem to be very happy with their new life in the sun – and claimed their dynamic is one ‘Harry needs’.

They said: ‘Meghan does seem to run the household and make the decisions, but it’s not that he bends for her. It’s just a dynamic that works for them, and maybe one that he needs after everything he’s been through.’

The Sussexes largely keep to themselves in California, but do have a select circle of friends including a tight group of celebrities.

They are said to work out of a joint office in their estate, often shunning expensive parties or nights out for smaller gatherings at home – with a particular fondness for karaoke.

Harry, 38, and Meghan, who today turned 42, have a preference for takeaway pizza from Bettina, an Italian favoured by celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres and Catherine Reitman.

But the Prince is understood otherwise to be a ‘beer and steak-and-potatoes kind of dude’, although does break out of this for special occasions such as a date night at exclusive restaurant Tre Lune, which the couple visited on Thursday night with friend Matt Cohen.

At home, the friend says Harry and Meghan are united parents, agreeing on family values and how to raise them.

‘The kids are their world,’ the source added. 

Despite knowing that royal life was not ‘a world they wanted for their family’, Harry and Meghan have faced some hard realities since they left to bring up their children away from the limelight of the Firm.

At home, the friend says Harry and Meghan are united parents, agreeing on family values and how to raise them

The couple appeared in good spirits on their way home on the eve of Meghan’s birthday

The friend told how Meghan ‘makes the decisions’ but added that is a dynamic Harry ‘needs’

Prince Harry pictured leaving the UK after the Coronation ceremony on May 6

The couples relationship with King Charles III (left) and the rest of the royal family does not appear to have improved

Having signed major multi-million pound deals with giants Netflix and Spotify, as well as Harry’s own book deal, they have since faced hurdles including the loss of the Spotify partnership.

Meghan hosted a series of her Archetype podcast on the platform, but it has not been renewed by the streaming service and the couple announced in June they had ‘mutually’ agreed to part ways.

They have also struggled to break into Hollywood, despite Meghan’s background as an actress in the hit-series Suits.

Although their docuseries Harry and Meghan was watched extensively all over the world, experts say their brand is a tricky one to sell, due to the drama surrounding them raising clients’ expectations.

Their foundation Archewell has also hit some bumps in the road, with multiple staff members previously quitting the organisation, leaving multiple roles for the couple to try and fill.

Their relationship with the rest of the royal family does not appear to have improved in the last few months, despite the heat dying down over claims made about members of the family in their previous projects.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, for instance, posted on social media today, but made no mention of Meghan’s birthday, in an approach that differs from previous years. 

Representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been contacted for comment.