As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle settle more firmly into their life in California, local sentiment appears divided over the royal couple's presence. While Harry and Meghan remain fixtures of international headlines, neighbors in their exclusive enclave and critics abroad suggest the duo's community involvement may be less than robust, especially compared to other high-profile residents known for their local engagement. Increasingly, observers say the Sussexes present a paradox: a prominent pair in global humanitarian circles who nonetheless keep a low profile in their own backyard.
In Montecito, a coastal town renowned for discreet wealth and celebrity, the couple's neighbor Richard Mineards didn't mince words. "I personally don't think that Meghan is an asset to our community," he told the Daily Mail. "She doesn't really go out or get involved with the community." Mineards believes that Prince Harry, while also elusive, comes across as "quite jolly," but ultimately concludes, "Meghan doesn't seem to get seen anywhere ... And you don't see him either."
This sentiment echoes earlier remarks from another local, 88-year-old U.S. Navy veteran Frank McGinity, who claimed he was rebuffed when he attempted to share historical films about the area with the Sussexes after their arrival. "They weren't interested," he recalled, stating that a gatekeeper at their residence turned him away. "I was trying to be neighborly," he said, but noted, "We don't see them very much around here."
Beyond California's well-manicured hedgerows, scrutiny has also come from abroad. A new German documentary, "Harry: The Lost Prince," revisits the Sussexes' standing post-"Megxit" and evaluates their foray into global humanitarian work. According to that film, the couple's outreach to struggling communities overseas sits awkwardly alongside their "elitist" lifestyle in an affluent American enclave. The program points to visits to poverty-stricken nations, Meghan's fondness for designer clothing, and questions the perceived lack of grassroots engagement closer to home.
Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe, speaking about the family's Montecito life, wonders how the Sussex children will integrate. "When you have young children, they all mix with other young children at schools or nurseries," he told the Mirror, adding, "Are they going to play the role of just another parent?" Meanwhile, acquaintances suggest Harry's routine involves solitary bike rides and meditation sessions. "He doesn't really ... apart from carefree orchestrated areas where he mixes with so-called the 'normal people'-well they're not," former Head of Royal Protection Dai Davies said of the Duke's travels.
The Sussexes' brand of philanthropy, business deals, and media projects-hallmarks of a post-royal strategy-also sparks debate. Jack Royston of "The Royal Report" podcast argued, "If they were to be perceived to be promoting their commercial projects while representing the Queen ... that's starting to border on corruption." He also noted, "If you have a situation where Harry and Meghan are earning huge amounts of money in Hollywood ... and they're also bolstering their reputations by working for the Queen ... that is a huge compromise."
Such criticism dovetails with claims that donations to their Archewell Foundation have declined, and that the couple works only "one hour a week" for their charity, according to documents cited by German journalist Dr. Ulrike Grunewald. While still admired by some for their star power and global platform, detractors say their approach lacks the authenticity expected of humanitarian influencers or engaged community members.
The Sussexes' stance on returning to the U.K. also factors in. Harry stated he has "no plans" to reside in Britain because "my family are so happy in Montecito," though some contend he misses aspects of his former life. His view that it remains unsafe for Meghan and their children-Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet-to live in the U.K. underscores a transatlantic tension that continues to define their narrative.
Meanwhile, the documentary also critiques the couple's costly visits to events like the Invictus Games-funded partly by taxpayer money. Some argue their penchant for high-profile engagements abroad contrasts sharply with minimal local mingling. As their story unfolds, Harry and Meghan's relationship with their immediate community, as well as with critics near and far, remains a narrative punctuated by exclusivity and guarded public appearances.
