Love thy neighbor?
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s neighbor has claimed that they haven’t made an effort to “fit in” with their community ever since they planted firm roots in California following their 2020 royal exit.
Richard Mineards, a veteran local journalist, alleged that the Invictus Games founder is far more “approachable” than his Sussex counterpart.
Mineards recalled a particular incident where the “Suits” alum, 43, allegedly turned away a local elderly historian who wanted to gift her a copy of his documentary about the area.
“The old man never got past the gate,” he told Daily Mail, adding that the As Ever founder “doesn’t play the community game.”
In fact, Mineards said that Markle’s distant nature is the opposite to that of Oprah Winfrey — also a Montecito resident — who often “shows up at charity events.”
The veteran reporter said that the former actress has remained “practically invisible” to her neighbors ever since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex snapped up their $14 million property — which has since doubled in value.
“She’s there, of course, but she shows herself very little. Her relationship with Montecito is… distant, shall we say,” he said, adding that she’s managed to “cultivate a very controlled image” of herself.
“She pays attention to every appearance, every word, every gesture,” he added.
In contrast, Mineards pointed out that the community’s sentiments toward the “Spare” author, 40, are markedly different.
“Harry is always charming, approachable, with that very recognizable Windsor accent,” he said of the duke. “He smiles, shakes hands, willingly exchanges a few words.”
The reporter added that various neighbors had spotted the former working royal “at the beach, in an organic coffee shop or cycling in the hills.”
“Harry has kept his good-natured side,” Mineards said, adding that the prince was “more at ease here, even with his personal struggles.”
Other local residents echoed Mineards’ sentiment, saying the Sussexes mostly keep to themselves.
“I haven’t seen Harry around much. Normally when you see him around here, he’s walking his Labrador on the beach or on his bicycle followed by his security in a Range Rover,” one local told the outlet.
Another local resident claimed that Markle is far more distant than her “jolly” husband.
