In the luxurious enclave of Montecito, California, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once hailed as the rebellious sweethearts of British royalty, have seen their reputations take a sharp turn.
The couple, who famously stepped back from royal duties in pursuit of privacy, now find themselves branded as unwelcome figures by some of their ultra-wealthy neighbors. Residents of the exclusive neighborhood complain that the Sussexes have disrupted the peaceful, star-studded community by attracting constant media attention and turning the area into a bustling circus of paparazzi and tourists eager for a glimpse of the famous duo.
Living in a lavish $29 million mansion reportedly purchased from a Russian oligarch, the couple’s choice of lifestyle has been labeled hypocritical. One irritated neighbor summed it up bluntly: "They left England to escape the press, and now they’re doing everything possible to attract it here." Such biting comments reflect the kind of sharp criticism that requires a thick skin and a healthy sense of irony.
Local residents are far from discreet about their frustrations, with some privately referring to Harry and Meghan as "The Prince and the Starlet" — a moniker dripping with sarcasm. For Meghan, the term "starlet" feels particularly pointed. Traditionally, it refers to a young actress on the cusp of stardom, a description that no longer fits. Markle’s acting career, highlighted by her supporting role on Suits and her stint as a briefcase model on Deal or No Deal, never catapulted her into the Hollywood A-list. Now firmly entrenched in the world of philanthropy and entrepreneurship, her Hollywood days seem a distant memory.
The Duchess of Sussex’s latest business venture, American Riviera Orchard, has done little to quell neighborhood discontent. Locals accuse her of seizing every opportunity to turn a profit, with one exasperated resident remarking that she’s "finding every possible way to monetize her life." The whispers of opportunism have led to accusations of relentless hustling, sparking sarcastic speculation about whether Meghan might soon host an MLM webinar on how to leverage royal fame into financial gain.
The crux of the criticism lies in what neighbors perceive as a stark contradiction between the Sussexes’ words and actions. Despite branding themselves as advocates for privacy and family-focused humanitarians, Harry and Meghan’s frequent public appearances, interviews, and tell-all projects have kept them firmly in the spotlight. From their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey to their Netflix series and Harry’s memoir, their story has revolved around the very media frenzy they claim to despise.
"They said they wanted to escape the toxicity of royal life, but the story hasn’t changed — it’s just moved to a different stage," one neighbor lamented. Another quipped that if the couple had quietly settled into Montecito and lived a low-profile life, "no one would have cared." Instead, they’ve embarked on a series of public relations ventures that some say have backfired spectacularly, leaving them grappling with the consequences of their actions.
In their pursuit of influence, Harry and Meghan’s attempt to become America’s version of a royal family has fallen flat with many. As one neighbor wryly noted, "We don’t need a royal family — we have the Kardashians for that." The couple’s strategy of invoking Princess Diana’s memory and leaning into themes of victimhood has lost its impact, with even former sympathizers questioning their motives.
Meghan Markle once had a fairy-tale life within the royal family, complete with global admiration and a grand wedding watched by millions. Yet, for all the glamour and opportunity, it was not enough. Now, their life in California has taken on the air of a reality show, one that could aptly be titled Keeping Up with the Sussexes: Entitlement Edition. For their Montecito neighbors, patience has worn thin. Whether the couple will finally find the peace and privacy they claim to seek remains to be seen — though with cameras still firmly focused on their every move, the drama is far from over.
