Many of Hollywood's elite, including Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Oprah, share more than just the silver screen - they also reside in the same glamorous neighborhoods, away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.
They've formed their star-studded oasis, often attending dinner parties together or lending a helping hand during the holidays. However, the recent news of the Sussexes potentially moving into an even more exclusive property in Santa Barbara has stirred unease among some residents.
According to sources connected to the homeowners association and Hope Ranch, a super exclusive community in Santa Barbara, concerns have arisen due to the potential media frenzy and increased traffic that Harry and Meghan's presence could bring.
The worries are not rooted in personal animosity towards the couple or their move away from the royal family but rather center on the impact their fame could have on the area's peaceful atmosphere.
Santa Barbara has long struggled with traffic issues, and residents are keen to protect their community from an influx of cars, particularly those trying to capture images of the high-profile couple for both UK and American press.
The constant media attention and resulting paparazzi presence might create hazards, especially for children playing or walking to school, on the area's narrow and winding roads.
Despite these concerns, it's worth noting that residents living near the couple's current house have not reported any problems with their presence in the neighborhood.
In addition to concerns about their new community, the Sussexes have faced criticism from punk rock legend John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols. Lydon, who moved from London to Malibu years ago, lashed out against Prince Harry and Meghan in a recent interview, telling them to "F off" for not living up to their desire for privacy while continuing to speak out publicly.
Lydon's stance against the royal family comes as no surprise, given the Sex Pistols' famous anti-monarchy anthem "God Save the Queen." Released in 1977, the song was considered an assault on Queen Elizabeth II. The punk rocker also revealed that he had encountered similar situations as Harry and Meghan, feuding with public figures, but had chosen not to publicly complain about his private grievances.
The situation has created a stir, with residents and public figures expressing different views on the Sussexes' presence and public engagements. As the couple navigates life outside the royal family, their actions continue to draw varied reactions from both sides of the Atlantic.
