Montecito Residents Express Relief Over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Planned Return to the UK
Neighbors in the California community of Montecito said they welcome the Sussex couple's upcoming move back to Britain, citing a desire for quieter surroundings.
Residents of Montecito, California, said they are pleased that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to leave the area and return to the United Kingdom. One local told a news outlet that concerns arose when the couple moved to the affluent neighborhood in 2020 because of the extensive media attention surrounding the royal family, which residents feared could disrupt the community's privacy.
Six years later, the same source said many neighbors feel the area will be quieter without the couple's presence. The comment reflected the views of several locals rather than the entire community.
Another neighbor described the couple's arrival as bringing an "unusual level of press and media attention" to the typically low-profile town, which is also home to other high-profile figures. The resident added that some locals were glad to see the Sussexes depart, noting that they had frequently requested favors that were perceived as stemming from their titles.
People magazine reported on August 19 that the family will relocate to the United Kingdom for an extended period while retaining their Montecito home and a vacation property in Portugal.