Meghan Markle has faced criticism from her neighbors in the upscale Montecito, California, community. Residents have claimed that since moving there with Prince Harry in 2020, the Duchess of Sussex has not integrated into the Santa Barbara County area.
Richard Mineards, an experienced local journalist writing for the Montecito Journal, has been a prominent critic of the couple’s involvement in the community. According to Mineards, while Prince Harry seems approachable and friendly, Markle has maintained a notably distant relationship with her neighbors.
Mineards recounted an incident involving an elderly local historian who attempted to welcome the couple by giving Markle a copy of his documentary about Montecito’s history. Mineards noted, “The old man never got past the gate,” as an example of Markle’s perceived reluctance to engage with community members.
According to Mineards, Markle approaches community life in a controlled and calculated manner, taking care in her public appearances, words, and gestures. He contrasted this with the preferences of Montecito residents, who value authenticity from their famous neighbors. Mineards cited fellow 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 been mostly unseen by neighbors except for essential activities such as school runs and errands. Mineards suggested that her relationship with the community remains distant, marked by a highly controlled public image that conflicts with local expectations for community involvement.
In contrast, Prince Harry has been praised by neighbors for his warm and accessible demeanor. Mineards described the Duke of Sussex as charming and approachable, noting his distinctive Windsor accent and willingness to engage in brief conversations with locals. Residents have observed Harry at various places in the community, including the beach, organic coffee shops, and while cycling in nearby hills, usually accompanied by his security team.
Mineards noted that Harry seems more comfortable in their California home, despite his struggles, and has maintained his good-natured personality since the move. Neighbors have confirmed these observations, with one resident mentioning that Harry is often seen walking his Labrador on the beach or cycling in the area.
However, not everyone in the community shares these critical views. Actress Sharon Stone offered a different perspective in a 2020 interview with Access Hollywood, praising both Markle and Harry for their efforts to integrate into the community. Stone stated that the couple came to Montecito to participate in the community rather than simply benefit from it, describing them as a giving, caring, and participating addition to the neighborhood.
The criticism arises as Markle has recently discussed her family life in Montecito through various interviews and her new podcast. She described her morning routine with five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lilibet, detailing the complexity of managing school runs to two different institutions while balancing work responsibilities.
Markle has also shared her participation in local activities, including yoga and fitness classes with 40 to 50 other participants, sometimes attending alone or with friends. She described greeting strangers with fist bumps and engaging in typical parental conversations, suggesting a level of community interaction that contradicts some neighbor complaints.
The differing accounts highlight the divided opinions within the exclusive Santa Barbara community regarding the couple’s efforts to integrate. While some residents, particularly Mineards, view Markle as aloof and unwilling to participate in community traditions, others see evidence of genuine engagement and normalcy in their neighborhood interactions.
