Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s life in Montecito, California, continues to draw curiosity—and now a neighbour has spoken out, casting the Sussexes in an unflattering light. Since moving to their lavish mansion in 2020 after stepping back from royal duties, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have largely kept their private life out of the public eye.
However, some neighbours have shared glimpses of their experiences living next door to the high-profile couple. Local journalist Richard Mineards recently revealed an incident involving the Sussexes and an elderly neighbour, alleging the couple refused to let the man past their gate. The elderly resident, a local historian, reportedly wanted to present Meghan with a documentary he had made about the area’s history, but was denied access.
“There was even this anecdote of an elderly neighbour who wanted to give her a documentary he had made on local history. The old man never got past the gate,” Mineards told Ici Paris. According to Mineards, the refusal reflected how “distant” Meghan’s approach to the community is, contrasting sharply with Harry’s warmer presence in Montecito, according to the Daily Mail.
“She cultivates a very controlled image. She pays attention to every appearance, every word, every gesture,” Mineards explained. “And here in Montecito, we appreciate simple people, even famous ones.” He cited Oprah Winfrey as an example of a celebrity who “shows up at charity events,” suggesting Meghan, by comparison, “doesn’t play the community game.”
Mineards noted a clear difference between the Sussexes: while Meghan “never tried to fit in” with Montecito locals, Harry is described as “charming” and “approachable,” maintaining his recognisable Windsor accent. “He smiles, shakes hands, willingly exchanges a few words,” the journalist said. “We’ve seen him at the beach, in an organic coffee shop, or cycling in the hills.”
Harry, he added, “has kept his good-natured side. We feel that he is more at ease here, even with his personal struggles.” In contrast, Mineards said Meghan “is practically invisible. She’s there, of course, but she shows herself very little. Her relationship with Montecito is distant, shall we say.”
As the Sussexes continue to navigate life outside the Royal Family, their contrasting interactions with neighbours reveal a complex picture of their adaptation to their Californian community.
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