Harry and Meghan’s billionaire neighbor sells $19million mansion as rich and famous leave luxury California area

PRINCE Harry and Meghan have lost another wealthy neighbour after a nearby billionaire sold his $19m mansion in Montecito.

Peter Sperling, who is worth $1.6bn and is one of the 400 wealthiest Americans, sold his seven-bedroom pad in the plush southern Californian neighbourhood in April, documents shows.

The billionaire, son of University of Phoenix founder John Sperling, also sold another home nearby for more than $16.3m in February.

This follows West Wing actor Rob Lowe who sold up and left Montecito in September last year.

Harry and Meghan settled in the area after stepping down as senior royals and leaving the UK in January 2020.

Their current neighbours include Hollywood A-listers Oprah Winfrey, who the couple spoke to in a bombshell interview, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ellen DeGeneres.

Meanwhile, Sperling reduced the price of his Garden Lane mansion by a total of $7.65m - just a stones throw away from the Duke and Duchess.

The sprawling property was listed at $26.75m but was eventually sold for $19.1m.

According to reports, Sperling has been trying to offload the posh home since 2017.

He sold his other estate in the area for $10.5million to British-born actress Jayne Seymour.

The home sold in April was bought by a trust run by financial analyst and Los Angeles lawyer Robert Gipson who took out a $12million mortgage to push through the deal.

It is unclear whether Gipson will live in the Montecito mansion.

According to records the 11,170sq-ft home was built in 1999, has 13 bathrooms, nine fireplaces and is just yards from the royal couple's $14.65m home.

The swanky house boasts both ocean and mountain views, vistas also enjoyed by the royal neighbours.

A listing on Estately.com says: “Ocean/mountain views, lush lawns, citrus trees, verdant gardens, creeks, bridges and pathways framing a remarkable residence, setting the bar for luxury.

“Cobblestone motor court introduces an exquisite English Country Architectural with indelible grace & stature.

“Featuring seven bedroom suites with 13 total bathrooms, an eight car subterranean auto gallery, two bay chauffeurs garage with three staff /security offices upstairs, two separate one-bed guest houses and separate staff laundry/restrooms/break room facilities.

“Detached professional gym, play room, pool and pool cabana.

“New secondary culinary arts kitchen the envy of any five star restaurant.

“Master suite to end all others replete with its own accessories boutique.

“See this and you've seen it all.”

Harry and Meghan talked about their new life in California during their explosive interview with Oprah last year.

Meghan told the host their move to Montecito was “greater than any fairytale you've ever read”.

During the interview, couple shocked the world when they accused an unnamed royal of making racist remarks about their son Archie's skin colour.