Some Montecito residents are reportedly pleased by claims that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing to leave California and return to the UK.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have lived in the United States for about six years after stepping back from their roles as senior working royals. Recent reports suggest their time in California could come to an end later this month.
Speaking to Page Six, a local source claimed that Harry and Meghan’s arrival initially caused concern among some residents because of the intense media attention surrounding the couple.
“When we first heard Harry and Meghan were moving to Montecito, there were definitely some concerns,” the insider said. “There had already been so much negative press and attention surrounding them and the royal family, and I think people worried about what kind of spotlight that could bring to such a quiet community.”
Following reports of the couple’s possible departure, the source said some locals “couldn’t be more excited.”
“Montecito is a very private, peaceful place, and I think a lot of people here will be happy to see things go back to being a little quieter,” they added.
The insider clarified that they were speaking only for a small group of residents and not the entire community.
However, another source offered a similarly critical view, alleging that the Sussexes frequently sought significant favors from friends because of their royal status but were rarely seen contributing to those relationships or the wider Montecito community.
“The town is exhausted by them, the entitlement and the never-ending drama,” the source claimed.
Harry and Meghan have not publicly responded to the remarks or confirmed reports that they are permanently relocating to the UK.
