'They've got a bit of an attitude': Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Montecito neighbors still cool to couple
MONTECITO, CALIFORNIA: It has been more than two years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals, but the public seems as divided about them now as they were in the beginning.
Harry, 38 and his wife Meghan, 41, were quick to move away from the United Kingdom and settle in an expensive chateau at Montecito, a quiet and peaceful town in California with their two young children - Archie, 3 and Lilibet, 1. Their house in Montecito is said to have all that is required and more - with there being talk about a home theater, a tennis court, spa, and a personal playground for the children.
READ MORE
Meghan Markle nicknamed 'Princess of Montecito' by Californian neighbors for lavish lifestyle
Montecito seems to be a town where celebrities and ‘normal’ people are treated alike. The town is home to some of the biggest names in entertainment, namely Gwyneth Paltrow, Orlando Bloom, and singer Ariana Grande.
While small towns are usually loved for being accommodative to all kinds of inhabitants, fellow residents of the town are still on the fence about Meghan and Harry. According to a recent report by The Mirror, it is said that the Sussexes' move to Montecito has “divided” those who live in the town in their opinions of them. A retired university lecturer who lives in Montecito said, “A lot of people think, ‘yeah fun’, but a lot of people think, ‘they have got a bit of an attitude.’ I do not think they are universally revered.”
But despite the mixed opinions, there is one thing that cannot be denied: everyone is curious about the ‘Royals of Montecito.’
“They are interested. People want to see what they are doing. They do not have bad motives," another resident said, adding, “There are people I know who are interested and curious about what they are doing. But I do not have any particular need to find out more about them.”
And amongst those who are curious and not curious, it is natural to want to know - how much about them is known? Not much, based on what another resident of Montecito has to say. He said that he has not “really heard much about Harry and Meghan” going about their lives in the local area. He adds that the Duke and the Duchess “keep themselves to themselves.”
He concluded by saying the reason that he thinks they have chosen their town to be their residence: “It is a pretty mellow town.”
However, if the rumors are to be believed, the Sussexes may soon be moving to Hope Ranch, an exclusive community for the uber rich - which might be above even their league. Royal Biographer Tina Brown said, “In Montecito, their $14 million mansion is a humble cottage compared to what these other people have.”
Hope Ranch is home to rapper Snoop Dogg, figure skater Vera Ralston and actor Ron Ely.
