Neighbors in Montecito express discontent about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's lack of local engagement since their 2020 move, Page Six reported.
After stepping back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry relocated to Montecito, California, in January 2020. They bought a $14 million estate featuring lavish amenities like a pool, tennis courts, and multiple guest houses within an 18,000 square-foot area with nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms.
The property, wrapped in luxury, includes a rose garden, olive trees, a tea house, and a children’s cottage, reflecting the couple’s desire for privacy and security. Prince Harry’s safety concerns for his family partly motivated this move, as he considered the perceived dangers of living in the UK.
Among the voices of local concern is Richard Mineards, a neighbor who has noted Meghan Markle's apparent distance from community activities. "I personally don’t think that Meghan is an asset to our community," stated Mineards. He highlighted her absence from public events and general invisibility in local affairs.
Mineards also commented on both members of the couple, noting, "Meghan doesn’t seem to get seen anywhere, and you don’t see him either." However, he described Prince Harry in a slightly more favorable light as "quite jolly," suggesting a nuanced view of the couple's reception in the community.
Another neighbor, Frank McGinity, attempted to connect with the couple by delivering a CD about local history but faced rejection at their gate. Describing his experience, McGinity said, "I live in the guest house next to Harry and Meghan’s property. Harry and Meghan live on the old McCormick property, and I went up to their gate with the films on a CD, but they weren’t interested."
This incident at the Sussexes’ gate further illustrates the couple’s standoffish stance with their neighbors, many of whom feel snubbed by their lack of openness to local engagement. "They’re not interested," was the message conveyed to McGinity, which left him feeling disregarded.
Despite their status, Meghan and Harry maintain a low public profile in Montecito but are known to socialize with prominent celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, and Oprah Winfrey. This contrast between their high-profile friendships and lack of local community involvement has sparked conversations among residents about the expectations and realities of having royals as neighbors.
Harry’s expressed preference for the freedom and safety of his children in the US over the UK underscores the couple’s decision to settle away from the public eye. They emphasize creating a secure and private environment for their family, aligning with their choices of residence and associations.
This juxtaposition of a desire for privacy with the notoriety of their social circle exemplifies the complex dynamics at play. While they seek safety and seclusion for their family, their local community's expectations for more traditional neighborhood engagement remain unmet, leading to a palpable sense of disappointment among some Montecito residents.
