In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made headlines by stepping back from their royal duties and relocating to Montecito, California. Their sprawling $14.65 million mansion—which is now worth $29 million—has also been the headquarters of their nonprofit and media venture Archewell.
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Their new home symbolised a fresh start for the couple and since moving there they have embarked on various media projects and philanthropic efforts. However, their presence in Montecito has not been without controversy.
Vanity Fair recently did an exclusive story on how the couple are getting on in the US, years after leaving their royal life behind, and it doesn't put Meghan and Harry in a very good light.
Montecitans brand Harry and Meghan as ‘local villains’
One of the aspects the story focused on was Harry and Meghan's presence in their coveted Montecito community and turns out it's not all roses and butterflies.
Vanity Fair spoke to some Montecito residents who have expressed frustration with the couple. The publication says that Harry and Meghan 'have become local villains.’ These Montecitans claim that the couple’s move has contributed to rising property prices and increased tourist foot traffic, disrupting the peace they cherish.
From out-of-towners driving too fast and taking up the street parking to finding queues at their favourite dining place, the locals have blamed the Sussex couple for the way Montecito is slowly becoming non-exclusive.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Harry and Meghan’s neighbours have criticised the couple or disliked their move to the area. In a recent documentary on the pair, German royal correspondent, Ulrike Grunewald revealed that the couple are rarely seen in town. In cases when they are spotted, security is always with them.
One of the couples’ neighbours, Richard Mineards, also shared that Meghan isn’t an asset for Montecito and explained:
I personally don't think that Meghan is an asset to our community… She doesn't really go out or get involved with the community. Harry has to a certain extent because he's quite jolly… but Meghan doesn't seem to get seen anywhere… And you don't see him either.
Controversy over Meghan’s ‘American Riviera’ branding
Adding to the drama, Meghan’s business venture, American Riviera Orchard (ARO), has sparked irritation among locals. While an 1898 book published by the Southern Pacific Company rail line states ‘Montecito is known as the American Riviera,’ Vanity Fair reports that it has now become an 'honour that belongs to Santa Barbara.'
Hence, locals have criticised Meghan for trying to commercialise the area's reputation. One said:
It’s such a kind of hucksterism. It’s just finding every way she can to monetize something.
Adding:
I still think they’re the most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet. They moved away from England to get away from the scrutiny of the press, and all they do is try and get in the press in the United States.
Interestingly, in August 2024, the US Patent and Trademark Office rejected the ARO trademark application. The response read:
Registration is refused because the applied-for mark is primarily geographically descriptive.
Read more:
Prince Harry once made a 'cruel comment' that left James Corden raging
Why Prince Harry and Meghan are constantly being compared to Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson
Are Prince Harry and Meghan safe amid the LA wildfires? Their £24M mansion in a 'high risk area'
Sources used:
Vanity Fair: Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Big Business Ambitions, 5 Years After Their Royal Exit
Oh! My Mag: Prince Harry and Meghan: Neighbour claims they're barely seen in Montecito in new documentary
