Journalist says Duchess remains distant while Harry appears more at ease in California community
Meghan Markle is reportedly finding it difficult to connect with residents in Montecito, California, where she and the Duke of Sussex relocated after stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
The couple purchased a £23.3 million mansion in the celebrity-heavy town of Montecito, located in Santa Barbara. Yet, according to local journalist Richard Mineards, Meghan has remained largely withdrawn from the local scene.
“She is there, of course, but she shows herself very little. Her relationship with Montecito is... distant, shall we say,” Mineards told the Daily Mail. He claimed Meghan has “never tried to fit in” and remains “practically invisible” to her neighbours, making only rare public appearances.
Mineards also suggested the community prefers down-to-earth individuals and noted that Meghan appears highly conscious of her public image. “She pays attention to every appearance, every word, every gesture,” he said.
In contrast, the Duke of Sussex is reportedly far more approachable. “Harry is always charming, approachable, with that very recognisable Windsor accent. He smiles, shakes hands, willingly exchanges a few words,” Mineards remarked.
Despite being accompanied by a security team, Prince Harry is said to appear “more at ease” in the area—even while facing personal challenges.
