Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have continued to capture the world’s attention, even from the serene hills of Montecito. After stepping away from royal life, the couple settled into a stunning $14.65 million mansion nestled in the heart of the celebrity enclave. Though many notable names have called the town home, none have brought the same level of intrigue and fascination as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Yet, despite their high profile, the former Suits star has not exactly enchanted her neighbors.

A Montecito local took a swipe at Meghan Markle, claiming the Duchess has kept her distance and is yet to truly mingle with the neighborhood’s close-knit crowd.

Meghan Markle faces criticism from Montecito neighbor over elusive presence

In a conversation with Ici Paris, Santa Barbara-based journalist Richard Mineards offered a candid perspective on Meghan Markle’s standing in Montecito. “She cultivates a very controlled image,” he remarked, adding that every gesture, word, and appearance seems meticulously managed, as per the Daily Mail. Mineards contrasted this with the town’s preference for down-to-earth figures, noting, “Here in Montecito, we appreciate simple people, even famous ones.” He shared an anecdote about an elderly neighbor who tried to deliver a local history documentary—yet never made it past the Duchess’s front gate.

Richard Mineards observed that “Meghan doesn’t play the community game” and has made little effort to fit in, unlike Prince Harry, whom he described as “always charming, approachable.” The Duke is frequently seen engaging warmly with neighbors around Montecito, whether at the beach, a café, or cycling. Despite Prince Harry’s friendly reception locally, the couple faces relentless online criticism. Recently, the Duke of Sussex revealed how the Duchess has been subjected to endless trolling.

Amid recent criticism for staying silent on friend Tyler Perry’s case, Prince Harry opened up about the relentless online hate Meghan Markle endures, shedding light on the harsh realities behind their glamorous public image.

Prince Harry speaks out on the online hate targeting Meghan Markle

At the 2025 Nexus Global Summit in New York, Prince Harry opened up about the intense trolling Meghan Markle faced, revealing she was the most trolled person in the world in 2018. He explained that this painful experience drove their dedication to improving the digital world through the Archewell Foundation. The Duke highlighted the urgency after meeting parents who lost children to social media-related harm, stressing the need to foster compassion as life’s challenges grow, according to the Daily Mail.

Markle’s challenges began soon after her engagement to Prince Harry in November 2017, intensifying after their wedding. In a candid interview with Oprah Winfrey, the former Suits star revealed she once battled thoughts of self-harm amid relentless negative headlines. “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” she confessed, feeling trapped without answers. She described sleepless nights struggling to understand the constant media storm. Sadly, the Duchess’s difficulties extend beyond online trolling—her neighbors, too, have not spared her from criticism.

What do you think about Richard Mineards’ remarks about Meghan Markle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.