Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘Have Become Local Villains’ in Montecito—and Are Blamed for Driving Up Home Prices and Flooding Community With Unwanted Tourists

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again facing furious criticism from their fellow Montecito CA, residents—who reportedly view the Sussexes as “local villains” and blame them for driving up housing prices in the tony California enclave.

Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, have been living in a $14.65 million mansion in the popular neighborhood since 2020, when they sensationally quit their roles as senior working royals and permanently relocated to the U.S.

But in the five years that they have been residing in Montecito, it seems they have done little to garner goodwill among their neighbors—at least those who spoke anonymously to Vanity Fair for a recent article about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s post-palace lives.

Just weeks after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were lambasted by one of their neighbors for their lack of involvement in the community, a group of unnamed Montecitans have spoken out to accuse the couple of not only causing an increase in housing prices in their community, but also drawing in a swath of unwelcome tourists to their once-quiet neighborhood.

Montecito is by no means a stranger to the celebrity world, having served as a homebase for a host of A-list stars over the years, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Douglas, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

(Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have once again come under fierce criticism from their fellow Montecito residents—some of whom have accused them of driving up home prices in the area. Getty Images)

(The couple live in a $14.65 million mansion in the tony California enclave, which they purchased in 2020 after quitting their roles as working royals. Google Maps)

(Harry and Meghan, who live at the home with their two children, have been fiercely protective over their privacywhich has done little to earn them popularity within the community.Archewell Foundation)

(While many celebrities have lived in Montecito over the years, Harry and Meghan have been accused of drawing in unwanted visitors by wrapping the community into their many projects, including the Duchess’ upcoming Netflix series, which was filmed at a home in the area. Netflix)

(According to one unnamed resident, Harry and Meghan have become “local villains.” Instagram/Meghan)

Ref: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘Have Become Local Villains’ in Montecito—and Are Blamed for Driving Up Home Prices and Flooding Community With Unwanted Tourists

Photo Credit-Getty Images, Google Maps, Netflix, Instagram/Meghan, Archewell Foundation