Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have traded the UK for the golden sunsets of California, but even in their $14 million Montecito mansion, nature doesn’t play favorites.
This week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children Archie and Lilibet, found themselves living under a serious tsunami advisory following a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia.
Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Advisory Across Pacific Coast
Late Tuesday night, the US National Tsunami Warning Center issued a broad alert that included California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Residents in these states—Harry and Meghan’s neighborhood included—were warned to steer clear of the beaches and avoid entering the sea.
The warning emphasized that waves could keep coming for hours after the first hit, increasing the potential danger.
Families Urged to Move to Higher Ground
From Santa Barbara to Oahu, families began scrambling to evacuate.
In Hawaii, sirens echoed through the night, waking residents who rushed to pack essentials and head inland.
Videos showed massive traffic jams as people tried to get to safety.
Many couldn’t help but think back to past disasters, prompting panic buys of water, fuel, and groceries.
Montecito’s Brush With Danger—Again
For Prince Harry and Meghan, this isn’t their first time facing a natural threat.
Earlier this year, during January’s California wildfires, their Montecito home was nearly in the path of an out-of-control blaze.
That time, authorities issued a red flag warning as the infamous Santa Ana winds—nicknamed the “Devil Winds”—whipped up the fire risk in Southern California, putting the couple’s home under potential evacuation orders.
Social Media Captures Real-Time Panic and Reactions
As the tsunami alert spread, TikTok and other platforms became flooded with emotional and dramatic posts.
One user, @shelbykblackburn, visibly shaken, described the moment the alert hit: sirens wailing, people running upstairs, and boats turning back to the harbor.
In another post, she stood near tall buildings, overwhelmed as cheers erupted around her, unsure if it was panic, relief, or just a moment of unity in the face of uncertainty.
Fear, Disbelief, and… a Tsunami Watch Party?
Not everyone responded with fear. One user, @HolisticAlexandra, came close to tears as she shared news of a potential direct impact on Hanalei, Kauai.
But others, surprisingly, took a more lighthearted or even reckless approach.
On TikTok, @Go_BigorGo_HomeTyler cheerfully announced he was sailing toward the tsunami to “surf the wave,” calling it a dream he never thought he’d chase—complete with a sunset selfie and plans to fish before the waves arrived.
Surfing and Snacking as the Waves Approach
In another viral moment, a man was caught calmly surfing despite the widespread warnings.
Elsewhere, groups hosted so-called “tsunami watch parties,” bringing snacks and filming the horizon in hopes of catching the first waves from what they believed was a safe distance.
Some stood waist-deep in the water, filming and commenting on how the waves were growing by the minute.
Authorities Beg: Please Take This Seriously
Emergency management officials across the Pacific coast have repeatedly stressed the seriousness of the situation.
They’re urging everyone, especially those in low-lying coastal areas, to follow evacuation guidelines, get to higher ground, and avoid the beach—no matter how tempting it may be to take photos or “ride the wave.”
Memories of 2004 Spark Fresh Anxiety
Many people have been haunted by memories of the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a 9.1-magnitude earthquake.
That disaster killed over 230,000 people in 14 countries, wiping out entire communities within minutes.
With those images still vivid in public memory, officials are emphasizing that these warnings are not to be brushed off.
What’s Next for the West Coast?
As of Wednesday morning, the first waves from the Russian earthquake have already started reaching the shores of California and Hawaii.
While it’s too early to measure the full impact, emergency responders remain on high alert.
Communities like Montecito—and the high-profile residents living there—are once again reminded that even in the lap of luxury, nature’s power can’t be ignored.