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In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made headlines when they left the royal family and moved to California in search of a fresh start. However, it seems that even in their new life across the pond, the couple is facing tension, this time with their neighbors.
Reports suggest that their Montecito neighbors are becoming increasingly frustrated with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, with some even expressing a desire for them to leave the area. According to a neighbor who spoke to The Daily Express under the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation, many are “fed up” with the couple. The neighbor added that they “cannot wait for her [Meghan Markle] to go.”
Another resident of the area, Frank McGinity, who once attempted to welcome the royal couple by giving them a tour of the neighborhood, said his efforts were met with resistance. McGinity shared that when he tried to approach their property, he was turned away by the couple’s security team. “They are not interested,” McGinity said, referring to Harry and Meghan’s rejection of his gesture.
Express.co.uk also reported that some locals are disappointed by the pair’s lack of public appearances. Richard Mineards, another neighbor, told The Telegraph that Harry is rarely seen in the area without his security detail, and Meghan is almost never spotted out in the community. This has caused a noticeable frustration among some of their neighbors, with Mineards adding that many are “waiting for them” and “gnashing at the bit” to see the famous couple.
The couple’s relocation to California was initially seen as a bid for more privacy and a life away from the intense media scrutiny they experienced as senior members of the British royal family. However, it seems that tensions in their new neighborhood have made the transition less smooth than they may have hoped.
With continued public interest in their every move, both Harry and Meghan face the challenge of balancing their desire for a private life with the expectations and frustrations of their new community. Whether they will address these concerns or continue to live a more secluded life in Montecito remains to be seen.
