Neighbours of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Montecito left divided over Royal couple

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Colombia Visit - Day 3
-Credit: (Image: (Image: Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Images))


Neighbours of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to be "fed up" with the high-profile pair, and are eager for them to move on.

The Duke of Sussex, who turns 40 on Sunday, made headlines when he and his wife decided to step back from Royal duties in January 2020. The couple then relocated to California with their children, Archie and Lilibet.

After purchasing their £12 million mansion in 2020, local residents began expressing their opinions about the globally recognised duo.

READ MORE:Princess Diana faced sleepless nights following Prince William's birth over heartbreaking confession

READ MORE:Princess Charlotte's adorable nickname that all of her school friends use

One neighbour anonymously told The News, "Can't wait for them to go," delivering a harsh critique of the couple's presence.

Frank McGinity, a navy veteran living nearby, had a less severe experience, but claimed he was rebuffed at their gates.

Reports suggest that Frank, aged 88, was turned away after he tried to present the Sussexes with some local history films on CD, hoping it would help them settle into their new community.

He recounted in his memoir 'Get Off Your Street' how he was dismissed by the couple's security team, noting "they're not interested".

Frank also shared with the Montecito Journal his astonishment at the couple choosing to live in the Riven Rock Estate, which is "typically" home to an older demographic, adding, "We don't see them very much around here."

Despite the mixed feelings, some locals still express a desire to see more of the couple.

Earlier this month, Harry and Meghan's neighbour, Richard Mineards, revealed to The Telegraph that others are disappointed they don't see the Sussexes more often.

He claimed that Harry is always accompanied by his security when he is seen locally, whether he's cycling, strolling on the beach or occasionally heading out for food.

Meghan, according to reports, is also elusive but is more likely to be spotted lunching with friends or perhaps shopping at a market.

Richard expressed that the local community is "waiting for them" and "gnashing at the bit".

In January, another local resident, Barry Maher, told the Mirror that people had grown frustrated with the couple's "travelling soap opera". He pointed out that they live in a "considerably pricier spot" than others and yet they "never see them".

According to Barry, who works as a PR and communication expert, no one in the area is "exactly living in cardboard boxes", but local tolerance "seems to mirror USA tolerance".

He further commented that those who do actually like them seem to have an "unlimited tolerance", while everyone else is either "unimpressed by the travelling soap opera" or "just sick of hearing about them".