A wave of frustration is washing over the upscale neighborhoods of Pasadena as homeowners unite against former royals, Harry and Meghan.
The couple has come under fire for what residents are calling entitled behavior and unauthorized trespassing during their latest house-hunting escapade.
This drama unfolded on a sun-drenched afternoon in California when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly scoping out yet another luxurious property to add to their growing portfolio.
Local resident Margaret Thompson, 65, voiced her irritation, noting that the couple’s security team seemed to operate under the misguided belief that their royal past granted them special privileges.
“This isn’t Windsor Castle where they can roam as they please,” she stated, emphasizing that in Pasadena, property rights take precedence over any titles that have been relinquished.
The situation has ignited a fiery debate about the couple’s perceived sense of entitlement, especially surrounding Meghan Markle.
Eyewitnesses claim they saw her directing her security to secure private driveways for what she called “preliminary viewing.”
Local real estate agent Barbara Chen recounted her experience, describing how the couple arrived in a convoy of black SUVs.
Before any arrangements could be made, their security team was already spreading out across private properties.
“When one homeowner protested, I overheard Mrs. Markle mention something about standard protocol,” Chen recalled.
“But this is California, not Frogmore Cottage.”
The Pasadena Police Department has confirmed receiving multiple complaints regarding unauthorized entries onto private properties, although they have refrained from naming specific individuals involved.
However, insiders have indicated that these incidents involve high-profile figures accompanied by extensive security details.
This latest controversy adds to a growing list of public relations challenges for the couple, particularly Markle, whose transition from actress to royal to private citizen has been marred by accusations of tone-deaf behavior.
Royal commentator Herbert Mitchell pointed out the irony of the situation, remarking on Markle’s claims of leaving royal life due to privacy concerns while seemingly disregarding the privacy of others.
The incident has particularly riled Pasadena’s old-money families, who pride themselves on their community’s discreet nature.
Longtime resident Victoria Pembroke commented, “We’ve had plenty of celebrities move through here without incident, but this level of entitlement is unprecedented.”
James Martinez, a local security expert, echoed these sentiments, noting that the couple’s approach to house hunting reflects a troubling disconnect from social norms.
“Their security team acted as if they were still protecting active royals on crown property,” he said.
“This isn’t the UK, and even there, such behavior would be questionable.”
Despite the backlash, the Sussexes’ legal team has remained silent on the specifics of the allegations, issuing only a vague statement asserting their respect for private property rights and denying any intentional trespassing.
Yet, this carefully crafted response has done little to stem the tide of discontent.
Social media has exploded with local residents sharing their experiences, including one viral post where Markle allegedly dismissed concerns about entering private property with a casual, “We’re just having a quick look.”
Community leader Sarah Richardson criticized Markle’s actions, stating, “For someone who presents herself as a progressive voice, she shows remarkably little regard for basic principles of consent and boundaries.
You can’t champion privacy rights while simultaneously disregarding others’ right to the same.”
The couple’s seemingly endless search for a new home, despite already owning an impressive property in Montecito, has reignited discussions about their motives.
Critics argue that this latest episode reveals more about image crafting than a genuine need for additional space.
Celebrity real estate agent Marcus Wong observed, “It’s becoming increasingly clear that every move is calculated for maximum publicity, but this time, the strategy has backfired spectacularly.”
As local authorities review security footage from several properties, legal experts suggest that formal charges are unlikely.
However, the court of public opinion has already weighed in, adding to what many see as a pattern of behavior that continues to damage the couple’s credibility, particularly Markle’s.
The fallout has extended beyond Pasadena, prompting several exclusive California communities to reassess their security protocols in light of what one homeowners association referred to as “celebrity entitlement incidents.”
As the story unfolds, it’s evident that in their quest for the perfect California property, Harry and Meghan have managed to alienate yet another community.
Whether this latest public relations debacle will lead to a change in their approach remains uncertain.
For now, residents of Pasadena are making it abundantly clear: former royal status does not grant special privileges in their prestigious neighborhood.