The arrival of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry has sparked controversy in their new Montecito neighborhood.
The couple has been blamed by some residents for rising housing costs and an increase in tourists according to Fox News.
Since moving to Montecito, California in 2020 after stepping back from royal duties, Markle and Prince Harry have reportedly had a disruptive impact on their local community.
The quiet, upscale town has experienced notable changes following the couple's relocation. This picturesque area now witnesses bustling streets and a clear uptick in tourism.
Local media and international outlets like Vanity Fair and Fox News Digital have extensively reported these shifts, often pinpointing the high-profile couple as a primary cause.
Among the reports, Vanity Fair has notably highlighted some neighbor's discontent, referring to Meghan Markle as "the starlet" and documenting negative sentiments towards their presence in the community.
Residents have observed that real estate prices have surged since the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This inflation is often attributed to the glamor and global attention they brought with them.
The increased visibility of Montecito has also magnetized more tourists, which, while beneficial for local businesses, has also led to crowded public areas and a different neighborhood dynamic than long-time locals are accustomed to.
Despite these disruptions, Meghan and Harry have actively sought to embed themselves into the community fabric, engaging in various initiatives and interactions with locals.
Harry and Meghan's attempts to integrate into local life include significant media projects initiated from their new base in California. Their contracts, especially with Netflix, have produced series like "Harry & Meghan" in 2022, followed by "Heart of Invictus" in 2023 and "Polo" in 2024.
These projects not only bring their tales to the global stage but also offer a glimpse into their new life away from the stringent protocols of royal existence.
On the business front, Meghan has launched an initiative named American Riviera Orchard, aligning with the couple's personal and professional rooting in Montecito.
The local reception is polarized, with some neighbors extolling the couple for their proactive community participation. Actress Sharon Stone praised their approach, emphasizing their genuine integration efforts.
However, criticisms remain sharp from other quarters. An unnamed resident accused them of exploiting their status for monetary gain, lamenting the commercialization of their presence.
Another resident voiced frustration over their high public profile, contradicting their stated desire for privacy upon their U.S. relocation.
An insider, who previously worked with them, shared insights about Harry's adjustment struggles, juxtaposing his low-key aspirations with Meghan's ambitions in the limelight. These insights offer a nuanced picture of the couple's adaptation to life outside the Royal enclosure, balancing personal desires with the realities of their new public roles in the United States.