A wave of discontent is sweeping through the serene neighbourhood of Montecito, not stirred by transatlantic turmoil but by the actions of their very own residents.
Meghan and Harry’s relocation to Montecito in 2020 was meant to provide respite from the relentless scrutiny of British tabloids, yet their presence has sparked a storm of resentment within the community.
Nestled in their sprawling 18,000-square-foot mansion known as The Chateau, the royal couple’s integration into the neighbourhood has been far from seamless.
Reports have surfaced detailing a series of ostentatious demands made by Meghan and Harry’s team to their neighbours, casting a shadow on their reputation.
A notable incident involved a request to utilize a neighbour’s tennis court, coupled with the audacious demand for the owners to vacate their property during the royal couple’s playtime.
Such requests, viewed as excessive and intrusive, have painted Meghan and Harry in an unfavourable light, earning them the labels of being high-handed and distant, rather than neighbourly.
Adding fuel to the fire are the unspoken rules reportedly imposed by Meghan and Harry on their neighbours, restricting any form of interaction with the couple, their children, or even their pets.
This perceived air of aloofness and entitlement has not been well-received by the Montecito community, with one disgruntled neighbour taking to social media to voice their frustrations, particularly calling out Meghan for failing to clean up after her dog.
This public outcry is just a glimpse of the growing resentment brewing against the royal couple.
Beyond the realm of social media, long-standing residents of Montecito have begun expressing their discontent more formally.
Mary Sheldon, a local bookstore owner, disclosed that Meghan and Harry are largely overlooked by the community, contrasting sharply with other celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres who actively engage with locals.
Barry Marr, another resident, humorously recounted how the media misquoted him to amplify the narrative of neighbourhood dissatisfaction, shedding light on the escalating tensions in the area.
The couple’s contentious public stance on their royal departure, highlighted by Prince Harry’s upcoming memoir “Spare” and Meghan’s media appearances, has only served to exacerbate local frustrations.
Residents feel that Meghan and Harry’s ongoing grievances against the British royal family have marred the tranquil image of Montecito, leading to a surge in property values and subsequent departures from the area.
Notable figures like billionaire Peter Sperling and actor Rob Lowe have sold their properties, citing the disruptive influence of the royal couple.
As Meghan and Harry navigate their new life in America, their relationship with the Montecito community remains strained, marked by tension and discord.
What initially sparked curiosity and anticipation has now evolved into exasperation and resentment, as the couple’s demands clash with the laid-back, neighbourly vibe of the neighbourhood.
The question lingers whether the Sussexes can mend these fractured relationships or if they will continue to face opposition from locals.
One thing is certain – their pursuit of a peaceful existence away from the limelight has proven anything but tranquil in Montecito.