Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made their first public appearance since leaving the UK, as they were seen walking hand in hand through Santa Barbara.
The couple emerged from an office complex that houses various organizations, including a karate studio, hair salon, Pilates studio, and a yoga and Himalayan meditation group.
Accompanied by an unidentified man assumed to be part of their security team, the couple seemed happy and relaxed.
While many people were unaware of Meghan and Harry’s whereabouts, a staff member at a shopping center in Santa Barbara revealed that the couple had visited the mall.
Situated in an office complex, the mall is part of a major new shopping destination in Montecito.
LA developers David Fishbane and Joseph Miller of Runyon recently purchased the Los Aves complex for $19.2 million and have been renovating it.
Fishbane expressed admiration for the property’s landscaping, building character, and beautiful courtyard, noting that most people are unaware of its existence.
The office complex is not a typical location for paparazzi to wait for celebrities, making it surprising that they were called to the scene.
The source disclosed that Meghan and Harry were booed and eventually asked to leave the mall due to the disturbance caused by paparazzi and bodyguards.
However, it is worth mentioning that Santa Barbara is known for being laid-back, and celebrities generally enjoy privacy there.
Meghan’s decision to have armed security guards with her seemed unnecessary and garnered little attention from locals.
Interestingly, Meghan and Harry have now resorted to quickly driving to places, taking a snapshot, and leaving.
This change in behavior may be due to the lack of set-up shots inside the mall.
It is possible that their clothes became creased from sitting in their SUV while waiting for the perfect photo opportunity.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that the couple continues to use Batgrid, a photo agency, despite the recent drama surrounding their relationship with the media.
Furthermore, it seems that Meghan has realized the negative impact of portraying herself as a victim or using her resemblance to Princess Diana for publicity.
After facing backlash, she offered apologies and things seemed to have returned to normal.
It is expected that Harry, Meghan, and their son Archie will no longer discuss the paparazzi in New York, as they now understand that it is not a prevalent issue there.
It is evident that the couple’s attempts to gain publicity have been met with skepticism by A-listers and well-known Hollywood executives.
Meghan’s constant smiling and attempts to portray a perfect life seem inauthentic to many.
As they navigate their new lives in Santa Barbara, it remains to be seen how Meghan and Harry will adapt to the laid-back lifestyle of the city and whether they will be able to maintain their privacy in the long run.