Rob Lowe isn’t holding back when it comes to how life has changed in Montecito since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved in. The 9-1-1: Lone Star actor, who has called the upscale California enclave home for years, says the royal couple’s arrival has brought both perks and problems.
“They definitely have brought a lot of attention to my sleepy little town,” Lowe told the Daily Express. “Let me tell you something: once the royals move into your neighbourhood, the neighbourhood is never going to be the same.”
According to Lowe, their relocation has sparked a noticeable shift in the area. On the upside, property values have skyrocketed. On the downside, the once laid-back streets are now busier, with more tourists, heavier traffic, and longer waits at local spots.
“The good news is property values go up, the bad news is the lines are longer at Starbucks,” he joked. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex settled into Montecito in 2020 after stepping back from senior royal duties. The community, known for its privacy and celebrity residents, suddenly found itself in the global spotlight.
Locals have noticed more paparazzi and visitors hoping for a glimpse of the couple, who live near other A-listers like Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and Gwyneth Paltrow. While some residents welcome the buzz, others—like Lowe—have mixed feelings about the trade-offs.
The St. Elmo’s Fire star’s comments come as Prince Harry is reportedly making moves to mend his strained relationship with King Charles and the rest of the royal family. According to recent reports, the Duke of Sussex has initiated peace talks with the monarch and even offered to share his personal diaries with Buckingham and Kensington Palace to avoid future conflicts.
It’s unclear how these reconciliatory gestures will play out, but they mark a significant step for Harry, whose candid memoir Spare stirred controversy earlier this year.
In the meantime, Lowe is taking Montecito’s royal glow in stride. After all, he’s no stranger to living alongside Hollywood and now actual royalty. And while he may have to wait a little longer for his morning coffee, he admits the royal effect on the local real estate market is a definite plus.
“They’ve put Montecito on the map in a way that’s pretty wild,” one local realtor told People. “Homes that used to sit for months are now getting multiple offers, often over asking.”
Whether you see it as a glamorous upgrade or a disruption to small-town life, one thing’s for sure—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s presence in Montecito has changed it forever.