Meghan Markle has faced criticism from neighbors in her affluent community of Montecito, California. Residents claim the Duchess of Sussex has not integrated into the Santa Barbara County area since her 2020 relocation with Prince Harry.
Richard Mineards, a seasoned local journalist writing for the Montecito Journal, is among the most vocal critics regarding the couple’s community engagement. Mineards reported to various news outlets that while Prince Harry is seen as approachable and friendly, Markle remains notably distant from her neighbors.
Mineards recounted an incident where an elderly local historian attempted to welcome the couple by giving Markle a documentary about Montecito’s history. According to Mineards, “The old man never got past the gate,” illustrating Markle’s perceived reluctance to engage with community members.
Mineards described Markle’s approach to community life as controlled and calculated, noting her careful attention to public appearances, words, and gestures. He contrasted this approach with Montecito residents’ preferences for authenticity, citing resident Oprah Winfrey as a celebrity who actively participates in local charity events, something Markle has not done.
Since purchasing their $14.7 million mansion, which has reportedly increased in value, Markle has remained largely unseen, except for essential activities like school runs and errands. Mineards suggested her relationship with the community remains distant and characterized by a controlled public image, contrary to local expectations.
Conversely, Prince Harry has been praised by neighbors for his warm and accessible demeanor. Mineards described him as consistently charming and approachable, with his distinctive Windsor accent and brief local interactions. Harry has been seen in various community locations, including the beach, organic coffee shops, and cycling in nearby hills, often with a security team in a Range Rover.
Mineards observed that Harry appears more at ease in their California home, maintaining a good-natured personality despite personal challenges. Multiple neighbors have confirmed this, with one noting that Harry is often seen walking his Labrador on the beach or cycling in the area.
However, not all community members share these critical views. Actress Sharon Stone offered a contrasting perspective in a 2020 interview with Access Hollywood, commending both Markle and Harry for their community integration efforts. Stone emphasized that the couple came to Montecito to participate rather than just benefit, describing them as a giving and caring addition to the neighborhood.
The criticism arises as Markle has recently discussed her family life in Montecito through interviews and her new podcast. She has detailed her morning routine with five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lilibet, describing the complexity of managing school runs to two different institutions while balancing work.
Markle has also revealed her participation in local activities, including yoga and fitness classes with 40 to 50 participants, which she sometimes attends alone or with friends. She mentioned greeting strangers with fist bumps and engaging in conversations with parents, suggesting a level of community interaction that contradicts some neighbor complaints.
The differing accounts highlight divided opinions within the exclusive Santa Barbara, California, community regarding the couple’s integration. While some, like Mineards, see Markle as aloof, others recognize genuine engagement in their neighborhood interactions.
