When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle first touched down in the sun-drenched, high-security hills of Montecito, California, the vibe was basically "Welcome to the American Dream." Fast forward a few years, and it looks like the honeymoon period with the locals is well and truly over.
Actually, it's more than just a little friction.
A high-profile Meghan Markle’s neighbour says she isn’t an asset to Montecito, and the quote has sent shockwaves through the gated communities of Santa Barbara. This isn't just some random person shouting from a sidewalk, either. We’re talking about Richard Mineards, a veteran journalist who actually lives in the area and sees the daily reality of the "Sussex Effect."
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Why the Montecito Community is Feeling Iced Out
In a recent documentary titled Harry: The Lost Prince, Mineards didn't hold back. He point-blank stated that Meghan simply hasn't integrated into the local fabric. "I personally don't think that Meghan is an asset to our community," he remarked, noting that while Harry is often seen as "quite jolly" and out and about, the Duchess is virtually a ghost.
It’s a weird situation.
You’ve got one of the most famous women in the world living in a $14 million mansion, yet the people living right next door feel like she’s a total stranger. For a community that prides itself on a mix of A-list privacy and "neighbourly" charm, Meghan’s perceived isolation is rubbing people the wrong way.
Frank McGinity, an 88-year-old Navy veteran and another local resident, famously shared a story about trying to welcome the couple. He walked up to their gate with some films he’d made about the history of the area—just a guy being a good neighbour, right? He was reportedly turned away by security with a blunt "they’re not interested."
Ouch.
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The "Local Villain" Narrative
It’s not just the cold shoulder that has people talking. By early 2026, the sentiment in Montecito has shifted from curiosity to genuine frustration. Here’s why the locals are "gnashing at the bit":
- Skyrocketing Real Estate: While Harry and Meghan’s presence has undoubtedly doubled the value of their own home (now estimated at around $29 million), locals blame them and other high-profile arrivals for making the area unaffordable for everyone else.
- The Tourist Influx: Montecito used to be a place where you could walk into a restaurant without a three-week lead time. Now, thanks to the "Sussex Map," tourists are flooding the trails and taking up all the parking near popular hiking spots.
- The "Hucksterism" Critique: Some residents have been vocal about Meghan’s brand, American Riviera Orchard. They feel she’s "monetizing" the town’s name and history without actually contributing to the local culture. One anonymous resident even told Vanity Fair they viewed the couple as "local villains."
Is Harry the "Jolly" Exception?
Ironically, Harry seems to be dodging the worst of the local ire. Mineards and others have noted that the Duke is often spotted biking, walking on the beach, or heading out for a bite with his security detail. He’s described as approachable, or at least visible.
But for Meghan, the narrative is different.
The criticism that Meghan Markle’s neighbour says she isn’t an asset to Montecito stems from a perceived lack of "zero involvement." In a town where Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, and Katy Perry manage to coexist peacefully with the locals, the Sussexes are seen as living in a fortress rather than a home.
Is it fair? Probably depends on who you ask.
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The couple clearly values their privacy, especially after their bruising experience with the UK press. But in the small, tight-knit world of Montecito, privacy can easily be mistaken for snobbery.
What This Means for the Sussex Brand in 2026
As we move through 2026, the pressure is mounting. With their Netflix deals reportedly under scrutiny and new business ventures like the lifestyle brand launching, the couple needs "good vibes" more than ever. If they can’t win over their own neighbours, winning over the global public becomes a much harder sell.
The reality is that being a "good neighbour" in a place like Montecito involves more than just paying property taxes. It’s about showing up to the local fundraisers, being seen at the farmers' market, and maybe—just maybe—not turning away an 88-year-old veteran at the gate.
What you should do next:
If you're following the Sussexes' transition to American life, keep an eye on local Santa Barbara publications like the Montecito Journal. These outlets often capture the "boots on the ground" sentiment that doesn't always make it into the glossy international headlines. Understanding the local pushback gives you a much clearer picture of why their public relations strategy is constantly shifting.