The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, found himself the subject of mockery in the Montecito Journal, his local paper in the California coastal town where he resides.
Depicted in an unflattering light on the cover of the publication’s year-end review, Harry and other notable residents of Montecito were whimsically portrayed as caricatures of themselves by artist Karen Folsom.
In the illustration, Harry is shown in full polo attire, clutching his helmet while astride a child’s toy stick horse.
This portrayal seems to reference Harry’s embarrassing tumble from his horse during a polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club last June, witnessed by a crowd of high-profile guests.
Despite his public mishap on the polo field, Prince Harry gamely returned to compete in the semi-final match three days later, albeit unsuccessfully as his team, Los Padres, failed to secure a spot in the league’s final.
Notably absent from the cover alongside Harry was his wife, Meghan Markle, who had been present to support him during the fateful match.
Adding further insult, the 39-page newspaper made no mention of Harry within its contents, instead choosing to highlight other local figures such as the late Hollywood director Ivan Reitman and philanthropist Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree.
The snub towards Harry continued beyond the pages of the Montecito Journal, as reports emerged that he had been excluded from major polo tournaments this year.
Sources indicated his absence from competition schedules and significant events in the region, marking a departure from his previous involvement in the sport.
Even close friend and polo player Nacho Figueras, who captained the Los Padres team alongside Harry, declined to comment on their relationship when approached by reporters.
In a further blow to the Sussexes’ social standing, they were omitted from the guest list of an exclusive annual party hosted by the Santa Barbara Polo and Racket Club, attended by affluent members of the polo and racket-playing community.
The event, organized by restaurateur couple Michael and Lisa Amador, featured a lavish coastal-inspired menu showcasing locally sourced delicacies such as fresh seafood, premium meats, and an array of delectable steaks and chops.
Guests were treated to an assortment of beverages including fine wines, craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails, all enjoyed against the backdrop of sweeping views of the polo fields, the Pacific Ocean, and the Santa Ynez mountains.
The party, known for its upscale ambiance and refined offerings, served as a gathering point for the elite gentlemen’s club, yet Harry and Meghan were notably absent from the festivities.
While their exclusion may have perpetuated rumors of strained relationships with their affluent neighbors, it also underscored their diminishing presence within the exclusive social circles of Montecito.
As the Sussexes continue to navigate their new life in California, they find themselves increasingly sidelined from the glamorous events and prestigious gatherings that once defined their royal existence.