A Montecito neighbour has claimed that Meghan Markle has failed to integrate into the exclusive California community, describing her as “distant” and alleging she “never tried to fit in” since moving to the area with Prince Harry in 2020.
Richard Mineards, a local journalist living in the celebrity-heavy enclave of Santa Barbara, made the comments to French publication Ici Paris, painting a picture of contrasting approaches between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in their adopted hometown.
The criticism centers on an anecdote about an elderly local historian who attempted to personally deliver a documentary about Montecito’s history to the former actress at the couple’s $14.7 million mansion, but allegedly “never got past the gate.”
“She cultivates a very controlled image. She pays attention to every appearance, every word, every gesture. And here in Montecito, we appreciate simple people, even famous ones,” Mineards told the publication.
Drawing comparisons with other high-profile residents, he added: “Oprah Winfrey, for example, shows up at charity events. Meghan doesn’t play the community game.”
The journalist’s comments suggest a stark difference between how the royal couple are perceived locally, with Prince Harry earning praise for his more relaxed approach to community life.
“He is always charming, approachable, with that very recognisable Windsor accent. He smiles, shakes hands, willingly exchanges a few words,” Mineards said of the Duke. “We’ve seen him at the beach, in an organic coffee shop, or cycling in the hills.”
The allegations come as the Sussexes continue to build their life in California, having stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Their Montecito home, where they live with children Archie and Lilibet, sits in one of America’s wealthiest communities, known for its privacy and star-studded resident list.
Montecito has long been a haven for celebrities seeking refuge from the Los Angeles spotlight, with residents including Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and numerous Hollywood A-listers. The community prides itself on its laid-back atmosphere despite its exclusive nature.
The contrast drawn between Meghan and neighbor Oprah Winfrey is particularly pointed, given that the media mogul conducted the Sussexes’ explosive 2021 interview that sent shockwaves through the Royal Family. Winfrey’s ability to balance privacy with community engagement appears to be held up as an example of how celebrity residents typically integrate.
Mineards’ comments about Meghan’s “controlled image” echo observations made by royal watchers and media commentators who have noted her careful curation of public appearances since leaving royal life. This approach, while perhaps necessary given the intense media scrutiny she faces, appears to have created distance from her immediate community.
The anecdote about the elderly historian’s failed attempt to share local history is particularly telling. In small, affluent communities like Montecito, such gestures of neighborly connection are often valued, and the reported rebuff may have contributed to perceptions of aloofness.
However, it’s worth noting that the Sussexes have cited security concerns as a primary reason for their privacy measures. Following their departure from royal life and the removal of official protection in the UK, the couple has invested heavily in security at their California home, which may explain the strict gate policy.
Prince Harry’s more visible presence in the community – spotted at beaches, coffee shops, and cycling in the hills – suggests a different approach to local life. His “charming” and “approachable” demeanor, as described by Mineards, indicates he may be more comfortable with casual interactions despite his royal background.
The couple’s different approaches to community engagement could reflect their individual personalities and comfort levels with public interaction. Harry, raised in the public eye as a royal, may be more accustomed to spontaneous public encounters, while Meghan, who faced intense scrutiny and criticism during her time as a working royal, may prefer more controlled interactions.
The timing of these comments is notable, coming as the Sussexes continue to develop their media ventures through Archewell Productions and various charitable initiatives. Their ability to maintain privacy while building public-facing careers has been an ongoing challenge.
Community integration can be particularly challenging for high-profile figures, who must balance desires for normalcy with legitimate security and privacy concerns. The couple’s young children add another layer of complexity to decisions about public visibility and community engagement.
Montecito’s culture of discretion usually protects its famous residents from such public criticism, making Mineards’ comments unusually frank. The fact that a neighbor would speak so openly to international media about the Duchess suggests some level of local frustration with her approach to community life.
The Sussexes have not responded to these latest claims about their neighborhood relations. Their representatives typically do not comment on matters relating to their private life and security arrangements.
As the couple continues to establish their California life, the challenge of balancing privacy with community connection remains. While some neighbors may view Meghan’s approach as standoffish, others might understand it as a necessary response to unprecedented media attention and security concerns.
The contrasting perceptions of Harry and Meghan within their community highlight the complex dynamics facing high-profile couples attempting to create a normal family life while managing public personas and legitimate safety concerns.
Whether these neighborly criticisms will prompt any change in approach remains to be seen, but they offer a rare glimpse into how the Sussexes are perceived by those living closest to them in their adopted American home.
