Meghan ignores elite Montecito community, says neighbor

In a recent German documentary titled 'Harry: The Lost Prince', Richard Mineards, a neighbor of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Montecito, California, expressed his discontent with the Duchess's lack of participation in local community activities. Mineards characterized Meghan as not being an asset to the Montecito enclave, emphasizing that she does not engage with the community and seldom appears in public. He contrasted this with his impression of Prince Harry, noting that Harry is more sociable but still tends to remain reserved. This documentary highlights the couple's life after stepping back from their royal duties in early 2020, focusing on their attempts to maintain a sense of privacy despite their public personas. The couple has drawn attention not only for their celebrity status but also for their interactions with the local community, which seem limited. Reportedly, Harry is occasionally seen biking alone or walking his dog, but observations suggest that both he and Meghan keep to themselves. Richard Mineards's comments resonate with sentiments expressed by other locals who feel similarly distanced from the couple, questioning truly how integrated Harry and Meghan are into the elite community of Montecito. This discussion is further complicated by reports that the couple plans to enroll their children, Archie and Lilibet, in a prestigious private school nearby, prompting speculation about their future involvement in local community life. The couple's celebrity connections have been more prominent, with Meghan reportedly socializing with Hollywood figures like Oprah Winfrey and Katy Perry, which contrasts sharply with the expectations locals hold for greater community interaction. There have also been previous incidents of neighbors expressing grievances concerning their perceived aloofness and lack of neighborly rapport. For instance, Frank McGinity, another resident, described a failed attempt to connect with the couple when he was turned away after offering them historical films about the area. The implications of these isolated actions point towards a growing divide between the couple's public image and their actual interactions within the community they reside in. As they continue to navigate this new phase of life in California, the Sussexes may face ongoing challenges integrating into the elite yet close-knit circle of Montecito. Local sentiment suggests that while they carry an extraordinary weight of celebrity and royal history, the community desires active participation that goes beyond mere presence, leading to a potentially contentious relationship moving forward.