Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Montecito Neighbours Deliver Harsh Verdict as Sussexes Prepare to Leave California for UK

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s reported return to Britain is already generating strong reactions thousands of miles away, with some of their neighbours in Montecito offering an unusually blunt response to the prospect of the Sussexes leaving California.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly preparing to relocate to the UK at the end of this month, six years after leaving Britain to build a new life in America. The couple are expected to live in a private, non-royal residence outside London, while their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have reportedly already been enrolled in British schools.

But as details of the move emerge, some Montecito residents have made it clear they will not be sorry to see the family go.

Montecito residents say “good riddance”

According to The Sun, local shop workers, dog walkers and other residents criticised Harry and Meghan’s presence in the wealthy California community, with some claiming the couple had isolated themselves both locally and elsewhere.

One resident, Jennifer, who previously worked at a shop regularly visited by Meghan, was particularly critical of the duchess.

“She became a laughing stock here because all she would do is steal other people’s looks and ideas,” she claimed.

Despite those harsh words, Jennifer also expressed some sympathy for the couple as they prepare for another major change in their lives.

“I feel sorry for them but hope they find happiness,” she said. “I feel they have ostracised themselves here and abroad. I fear for their future.”

Another local shop employee was even more direct about the reported departure.

“I’m glad they’re leaving. Good riddance,” the staff member told the outlet, before complaining that Meghan had spoken about Montecito’s Butterfly Beach on her show.

The resident also claimed Harry and Meghan stood out because of their security arrangements.

“They’re the only celebrities here who go around with bodyguards,” the person alleged, adding that other wealthy and famous residents could be seen moving around the community more casually.

The comments represent the views of individual residents quoted in the report rather than the wider Montecito community.

Harry and Meghan’s royal status reportedly will not change

Despite their expected return to Britain, Harry and Meghan are not believed to be heading back into official royal life.

Their status is understood to remain unchanged, meaning they will continue as private individuals and non-working members of the Royal Family.

The couple are also not expected to receive the “half-in-half-out” arrangement that became a major issue when they stepped away from senior royal duties in 2020.

King Charles was reportedly informed about the planned move on Sunday, just three days before the news became public. He is understood to welcome the possibility of spending more private time with Harry, Meghan and their children.

Neither Buckingham Palace nor Kensington Palace has publicly commented on the reported move.

A major change six years after leaving Britain

Harry and Meghan’s return would mark another significant chapter for a family whose life has largely been based in California since their departure from frontline royal duties.

Montecito became the centre of their post-royal life, but according to the latest reports, their children are now preparing for school in Britain while Harry and Meghan establish a new home outside London.

For some of the neighbours quoted in the latest report, however, the reaction to their departure has been anything but sentimental — ranging from hopes that the couple will finally find happiness elsewhere to the far less diplomatic verdict: “Good riddance.”