Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s presence in the wealthy enclave of Montecito, California has drawn mounting criticism from residents. After stepping back from royal duties, the couple initially sought a quiet and private life, but many neighbors are accusing them, particularly Meghan, of being aloof and disconnected from the community.
Richard Mineards, a longtime Montecito resident and former UK royal correspondent, shared his frustrations in the German documentary “Harry: The Lost Prince,” which premiered on December 3, 2024. “I personally don’t think Meghan is an asset to our community,” Mineards said.
He explained that she is rarely seen and shows little interest in engaging with her neighbors. “She doesn’t really go out or get involved with the community.” Mineards added that while Prince Harry is described as “quite jolly,” neither he nor Meghan has made much of an effort to integrate into the area.
Frank McGinity, an 88-year-old Navy veteran and neighbor of the Sussexes, echoed these sentiments. Hoping to welcome them to the neighborhood, McGinity brought films about the local area to their home, only to be turned away at the gate. “It’s surprising they came here. People are typically older. It’s where the elephants come to die,” he remarked, reflecting on how the couple’s choice of residence feels at odds with their apparent lifestyle and age.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex purchased their $14 million mansion in 2020, signaling a fresh start after they departed from royal life. However, rather than becoming an active member of the Montecito community, Meghan has reportedly focused on cultivating friendships with Hollywood elites, further cementing her reputation as someone more drawn to celebrity culture than local camaraderie.
Neighbors have observed that the couple’s focus on privacy has gone beyond what is typical for Montecito, a community home to numerous high-profile residents. Locals, used to occasionally encounter celebrity neighbors at charity events or farmers’ markets, have noted the Sussexes’ absence.
Criticism of Meghan’s detachment from Montecito is consistent with a broader narrative surrounding her public image. Former colleagues and acquaintances have described her as calculating and cool. Ryen Russillo, a former ESPN commentator, once shared how Meghan rebuffed him with what he described as an “ice-cold” response during a professional interaction. Such accounts have added to perceptions of her as distant and preoccupied with maintaining a curated image.
For Meghan Markle, whose every move is scrutinized by a global audience, these local grievances add another layer of complexity to her already polarizing public image. As her critics grow louder, the question remains whether she and Harry can truly feel at home in a community that seems increasingly wary of their presence.