Meghan and Harry Can't Close on Mel Gibson's Multi-Million Dollar Mansion

By Neil P. First Posted: Apr 17, 2020 06:25 AM EDT

(Photo : Reuters Connect)

Meghan Markle and Harry were about to buy Mel Gibson's multi-million dollar mansion in Malibu, but they never closed the deal according to a source.

MEGHAN AND HARRY IN CALIFORNIA

The former Duke and Duchess of Sussex had moved to California before Canada declared a nationwide lockdown due to the swelling cases of COVID-19. As you may know, Meghan and Harry had been in Canada since December of 2019 but decided to move to California after they stepped down from their senior royal duties.

It was first reported that the couple would be living in Canada with their son Archie. However, they later decided to move to California, where Meghan's mother is living.

A recently published article said that one of the reasons that Meghan and Harry decided instead to move in California is to avoid paying multiple taxes. Meghan is still a U.S. citizen, and this means that if they were to stay in Canada, she would be required to pay taxes in Canada and the United States.

MEGHAN AND HARRY'S HOME IN MALIBU

Meghan and Harry are now renting a multimillion-dollar home in Malibu. However, it is still not clear how much the home is worth. It was reported that the former Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very keen on looking for a new home.

Mel Gibson's brokers have been working closely with Meghan and Harry's brokers regarding Gibson's £12 million estate. The couple is looking for a mansion that is on five acres of land, spacious ground, and access to a private beach club.

There were long talks and discussions made about Gibson's property. However, the negotiations just ended being preliminary, and they were not able to finalize it. It is unclear who ended the talks, but what is clear is that Gibson's home has been on and off the market for years.

Gibson's mansion has five bedrooms, walk-in closets, an exceptional chef's kitchen, a gym, and two ocean-view swimming pools. Moreover, it was reported that the mansion was previously owned by David Duchovny, The X Files star.

HOW WILL MEGHAN AND HARRY CELEBRATE THE FIRST BIRTHDAY OF THEIR SON

The couple had planned an A-List Event of their son's birthday on May 6. However, they now have to rethink it as Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti had already announced that social gatherings will be prohibited because the country is still battling the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The United States has more around 678, 210 cases of COVID-19, and with a death toll of 34,641 according to worldometers. The country also ranked 1st among the countries with COVID-19 cases. It is for this reason that it is not a surprise anymore why the federal and local authorities are stringent in prohibiting social gatherings.

It is now speculated that due to the prohibition of social gatherings, the former Duke and Duchess of Sussex will hold a quiet birthday celebration of their son in their multi-million rented home. One of the insiders said: "There is no way that Harry and Meghan could or would even consider throwing a party for family and friends. As special as Archie turning one is, now is the time to take safety more seriously than ever."

The insider also added: "Their close-knit friend group will have plenty of other opportunities moving forward to come together. There are other events lined up throughout the rest of the year. Just last week, April 19 was the date restrictions would set to be lifted, but that's not the case anymore for safety reasons."

The prohibition of social gatherings while the country is still in a health crisis will prevent the former Duke and Duchess of Sussex from hosting a party. Meghan and Harry have close friends in Los Angeles like Oprah Winfrey, the Clooney's, and Elton John.