Royal couple's planned farewell party reportedly fell flat as friends were unavailable
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's attempt to host a farewell gathering in Montecito was said to receive little response from invited guests, and neighbors have described their departure as low-key.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly tried to arrange a farewell gathering in Montecito before relocating to the United Kingdom, but the invited guests, including several high-profile entertainment figures, were unable to attend. An insider told a media outlet that the couple "quietly felt people out, and the response was basically crickets," adding that they had hoped for an "emotional send-off" surrounded by friends who had welcomed them to the United States.
According to the same source, the couple left California without a public celebration, and a neighbor told a newspaper that there were no moving trucks, no parties and that the departure appeared sudden. Another resident claimed a bottle of wine left at the couple's gate was returned unopened, suggesting limited interaction with the local community.
Potential new residence in the Cotswolds has raised concerns among existing residents about the impact of the royal family's security requirements on local infrastructure and daily life. A local resident said the area is accustomed to high-profile individuals but expects newcomers to adapt to the community rather than the community adjusting to them.
The reports rely on unnamed insiders and local residents, and no official comment from the Duke and Duchess has been provided.