In the quiet, upscale neighborhood of Montecito, California, Meghan Markle appears to have stirred up some discontent among her neighbors.
Richard Mineards, a local resident living near the Duchess of Sussex, expressed his views candidly to the Daily Mail. ‘I personally don’t think that Meghan is an asset to our community,’ he remarked, adding that she seems to keep to herself and doesn’t engage much with the local community. Even Prince Harry, despite being described as ‘quite jolly,’ remains elusive according to Mineards, who concluded, ‘Meghan doesn’t seem to get seen anywhere, and you don’t see him either.’
This isn’t the first instance of the royal couple raising eyebrows in their Californian neighborhood. In a previous encounter from July 2023, Frank McGinity, an 88-year-old Navy veteran living nearby, recounted feeling snubbed when he attempted to deliver films about the area’s history to the couple. Despite his efforts to be neighborly, he was turned away at their gate. McGinity noted how uncommon it is to see the couple around, remarking on the area’s demographics, ‘It’s surprising they came here. People are typically older. It’s where the elephants come to die.’
Since their move to California in 2020, after stepping down from their royal duties, Meghan and Harry have made a formidable abode in the affluent Montecito area. Their expansive mansion, valued at $14 million, encompasses nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms across its substantial 18,000-square-foot architecture. The property, rich with amenities such as a pool, tennis court, rose garden, and more, is home to the couple and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
While Markle seems to steer clear of local mingling, preferring the company of Hollywood’s elite, rumors abound regarding Harry’s sentiments towards the UK. He has gone on record voicing concerns over the safety of his family in the UK, citing lack of security as a significant issue. Moreover, in a touching reflection on his late mother, Princess Diana, Harry shared that she would have likely preferred him raising his children in the U.S., where they could lead more fulfilling lives.
Despite their restricted public presence in Montecito, Markle and Harry have cultivated friendships with prominent figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Katy Perry. This shift to high-profile social circles indicates a distinct preference for the Hollywood lifestyle over neighborhood engagements.
As Meghan Markle and Prince Harry continue their journey away from royal duties, the interplay between their private lifestyle and public scrutiny persists. Their choice of residence and neighbors’ opinions highlight the complexities faced by public figures seeking normalcy in a world that rarely offers it.
Source: Pagesix
