According to an insider who owns a high-end boutique frequented by local luminaries, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have found themselves increasingly isolated in their exclusive community.
Their behavior, described as entitled by those in the know, has reportedly alienated many of their wealthy neighbors. The situation reached a breaking point at a recent gala fundraiser, which turned out to be a defining moment in their social downfall. While their royal status once guaranteed them a place at the most prestigious events, sources now say that the couple’s reputation for attention-seeking and show-stealing antics has made them less welcome. Their constant demands for security and the accompanying media frenzy have also grated on the privacy-loving elite.
The tension at the gala reportedly erupted when, according to my insider, Meghan took it upon herself to interrupt the event with a lengthy, self-promotional speech. This speech, which was unrelated to the charity’s cause, was filled with bold promises about future projects aimed at empowering women—plans that she hadn't discussed with the event’s hosts, Oprah Winfrey or Ellen DeGeneres. The move reportedly infuriated both Oprah and Ellen, who are considered the reigning figures of Montecito’s social scene. In what has been described as a particularly harsh snub, Oprah and Ellen allegedly decided on the spot to distance themselves from Meghan and Harry, both socially and professionally, effectively cutting the couple off from their influential inner circle.
Since then, my source, who runs a popular establishment in the area, has noticed a marked cooling toward the Sussexes among other influential locals. Word of the incident spread quickly, leading to the couple’s invitations to events being rescinded almost overnight. Even their Hollywood connections could not shield them from the fallout caused by their perceived social missteps. Adding to their woes, during a recent power lunch attended by several A-listers at my source’s exclusive eatery, Oprah was overheard making a pointed remark about the Sussexes. She reportedly said, “They really think this is all about them, but they aren’t that big or important. Their 15 minutes of fame will be up soon enough.” Ouch.
Not helping matters, my insider also revealed that Meghan’s ego has grown significantly since her marriage to Harry. She apparently believes she deserves a seat alongside female icons like Oprah and Michelle Obama, despite not understanding their preference for privacy. The harsh reality is setting in for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex: without the support of key players in their social circles, their star power is likely to fade, at least in Montecito. It is becoming increasingly apparent that Meghan and Harry have gone from being a golden couple to social pariahs, abandoned even by Hollywood royalty. Their fall from grace has been dramatic, especially for a community that values decorum and tradition in high society.
With no powerful friends left to offer them a lifeline, it is difficult to see how they will manage to regain their former status. The resentment toward them is palpable, and it seems that it will take nothing short of a miracle for Meghan, in particular, to repair the damage to her reputation if she ever hopes to regain access to the town’s exclusive social scene. For now, any remaining invitations they receive are likely to be more out of pity than a genuine desire to include them. Even global brands seem to be reconsidering their associations with the couple, which could make it even harder for them to maintain their California glitz and popularity.
As the Sussexes face social exile on two continents, it is unclear whether their move to Montecito will turn out to be the happily-ever-after they had envisioned. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding drama in Tinseltown. Remember, you heard it here first on Royally M. I’ll be back next week with more tea on everyone’s favorite banished royals. Until then, this has been Amanda Adams signing off.
