Harry and Meghan 'have their eyes on $15 million Malibu mansion' that could cause more controversy

As they prepare to finalise their split from the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly looking for a more permanent home in North America.

The royals have been staying at a $20 million mansion on Vancouver Island, Canada, for the past few months, but are now looking to relocate to the United States for the American summer.

Last month it was reported that the couple were considering homes in Los Angeles, Meghan's hometown and where her mother, Doria Ragland, still lives.

And it looks like they've narrowed their search down to the beach city of Malibu, with a fellow celebrity local hinting that the duke and duchess would be moving in soon.

None other than Caitlyn Jenner revealed the rumour, saying during an appearance on Loose Women: "I heard they were looking for a house in Malibu."

And the couple have reportedly already set their eyes on a potential home in the area; a $15 million mansion complete with a tennis court and swimming pool, according to News.com.au.

The luxe LA property is decked out with all the features of a celebrity home, including eight bedrooms, a massive wine cellar and a street full of A-list neighbours.

Named Petra Manor, the sprawling mansion was built in 2015. by Baywatch star David Chavert and his Playboy model and TV host ex-wife Brooke Burke.

But that's not it's only celebrity connection - Kylie Jenner is also one of the home's most recent residents.

And that's where the problems could start for Harry and Meghan.

The couple have already battled negative press around their new lifestyle, critics and fans questioning their "transition" away from royalty and towards almost celebrity status.

By moving into a celebrity mansion in an A-list LA suburb, the pair could set themselves up for even more controversy at a time when they've said all they want is privacy and peace.

"The Royal Family respect and understand the wish of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to live a more independent life as a family, by removing the supposed 'public interest' justification for media intrusion into their lives," they said in a recent statement on their official website.

The Sussexes had hoped that leaving the royal family would help them escape the public eye and tabloid criticism, but the reality is that the media and general public will be following their every move long after they officially wrap up their royal duties on 31 March.