A recent outing by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has sparked controversy as ten groups of customers have accused the couple of disrupting a local sushi restaurant in Santa Barbara.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were seen stepping out for a sushi date at the Michelin star restaurant Sushi Bar Montecito, just a week after Prince Harry returned to California from King Charles’ coronation to celebrate Archie’s fourth birthday.
Meghan, 41, was elegantly dressed in a brown long-sleeved dress paired with open-toed sandals and accessorized with a white bucket bag and gold earrings.
Prince Harry, 38, opted for a casual look with white jeans, a relaxed black t-shirt, and sand-colored shoes.
The couple appeared delighted as they exited the restaurant around 7 pm, smiling from ear to ear.
Sushi Bar Montecito, known for its omakasee dining experience crafted by Chef Philip Franklin Lee, offers a whimsical 17-course menu served in an intimate setting with only ten coveted seats at the chef’s counter.
However, the couple’s visit raised eyebrows among patrons and fans alike.
Speculation arose when a paparazzi photographer was seen seemingly taking instructions from Meghan, leading to exclusive photos being captured.
Some guests who had reservations were reportedly asked to leave to accommodate the Sussexes, who occupied the central ten seats of the restaurant.
This move left other diners frustrated and disappointed.
Interestingly, it was noted that Prince Harry is not a fan of sushi or seafood, raising questions about the choice of venue for their outing.
Suggestions were made that Meghan may have orchestrated the outing to dispel rumors of marital discord, with some proposing that a steakhouse would have been a more suitable compromise for the couple.
The limited seating at the restaurant further fueled speculation, with onlookers observing the discomfort of other diners as Meghan and Harry enjoyed their meal.
The couple, after their dining experience, departed in an SUV waiting outside the Montecito Inn on Coast Village Road, leaving behind a trail of mixed reactions from fellow patrons.
The incident has stirred debate online, with some criticizing the couple for their alleged disregard for other diners and the disruption caused at the exclusive restaurant.
Others have defended Meghan and Harry, attributing the situation to misunderstandings and the pressures of public scrutiny on the royal couple.
As the saga continues to unfold, the public remains divided on the motives behind the couple’s choice of venue and the perceived impact on the local dining establishment.
The royal pair’s every move continues to be scrutinized, adding another layer of intrigue to their already closely-watched lives.
The repercussions of this controversial outing are yet to fully manifest, leaving many wondering about the true dynamics at play within the royal family.