Meghan Markle and Prince Harry continue to make headlines, this time through a new German documentary, Harry – The Lost Prince, which has brought fresh scrutiny to their life in Montecito, California.
As the Duke of Sussex addressed his long-term plans to stay in the U.S., a local resident offered a less-than-favorable critique of Meghan’s role in their community.
The documentary, which premiered on ZDF this week, dives into the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s post-royal life.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to the United States, the couple has established themselves in Montecito, a wealthy enclave in Santa Barbara known for its celebrity residents. However, not everyone in the area is enamored with the high-profile couple.
Richard Mineards, an author and neighbor who has previously spoken about the Sussexes, criticized Meghan in the documentary.
According to Mineards, Meghan has made little effort to engage with the Montecito community.
He remarked, “I personally don’t think that Meghan is an asset to our community. She doesn’t really go out or get involved with the community. Harry has, to a certain extent, because he’s quite jolly, but Meghan doesn’t seem to get seen anywhere. And you don’t see him either.”
The comments, shared via Mail Online, painted a picture of the Sussexes as largely private and detached from the social fabric of Montecito.
While Harry has reportedly made more of an effort to connect with locals, Meghan’s reserved nature has led some to view her as a di
Meanwhile, Prince Harry addressed speculation about whether he might return to the UK in the future.
Speaking at a recent summit in New York City, the Duke expressed no intention of moving back across the Atlantic, emphasizing the happiness and security he has found with his family in the United States.
“I very much enjoy living here and bringing my kids up here,” Harry said, referencing his two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. He explained that life in Montecito affords them a level of privacy that would be difficult to achieve in the UK due to the intense media scrutiny and security concerns.
Harry also highlighted the freedom his children have in their current environment. “It’s a part of my life that I never thought I was going to live,” he shared. “
To be able to do the things I’m able to do with my kids that I undoubtedly wouldn’t be able to do in the UK — it’s huge. That is a fantastic opportunity, and I’m hugely grateful for that.”
The Sussexes’ life in California has long been a topic of fascination and debate, with supporters lauding their independence and critics questioning their choices.
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While the Duke has been more visible, participating in various charity events and summits, Meghan has maintained a lower profile, which has led to differing perceptions of the couple among locals.
Mineards’ remarks about Meghan echo a broader sentiment among some critics who feel she has not integrated into the community or embraced her public persona in the way Harry appears to have done.
However, others have defended Meghan’s preference for privacy, suggesting it aligns with her and Harry’s desire to step away from the spotlight and focus on raising their family.
Harry’s comments about privacy reflect the couple’s ongoing struggle to balance their public roles with their personal lives. Their move to Montecito was, in part, an effort to escape the intense scrutiny they faced as working members of the royal family.
In Montecito, the Sussexes are neighbors to high-profile figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, who themselves value discretion and privacy. Despite this, the couple’s every move continues to be scrutinized, both in the U.S. and abroad.
For now, Harry’s message is clear: Montecito is home. His emphasis on the happiness and opportunities available to his children suggests that he and Meghan are committed to building their life in the U.S., regardless of criticism or speculation.
While neighbors like Mineards may question their involvement in the local community, it appears that the Sussexes are focused on creating a secure and nurturing environment for Archie and Lilibet — priorities that Harry believes his late mother, Princess Diana, would have supported.
As the Sussexes continue to navigate life outside the royal family, their journey remains a subject of fascination, reflection, and, inevitably, controversy.
