One Montecito neighbor recently shed light on the controversy by revealing a list of rules attributed to Meghan Markle, sparking a wave of community backlash. Meghan and Prince Harry's move to this serene neighborhood has indeed caused more than a few raised eyebrows. Some neighbors have described Meghan as displaying a sense of haughtiness, which has stirred resentment among them.
In an interview with the Daily Express, one neighbor openly expressed their anticipation for Meghan's departure, citing the couple's overall attitude as unsettling to the entire neighborhood. The controversy escalated when an individual named Kimberly posted a photograph of a set of rather peculiar rules displayed on the door of a grand mansion, supposedly established by Meghan Markle herself.
Kimberly's post included remarks about these rules being imposed by "The Duchess of Sussex," which left her taken aback and prompted her to share it online. The list of demands outlined various restrictions, including a prohibition on locals initiating conversations with the royal couple, touching their dogs, or even attempting to communicate with them through notes. Some residents found these demands excessively stringent.
Furthermore, the rules discouraged locals from approaching or starting conversations with the royal couple unless initiated by Meghan and Harry. They also discouraged interactions with their dogs, offering to walk them, or trying to meet their children, Archie and Lilibet. The list explicitly forbade posting anything through the letterbox of their Montecito mansion.
Kimberly's post stirred a brief but intense online reaction, although it was swiftly deleted after just 30 minutes. Nonetheless, the contents of the list did not go unnoticed by devoted royal enthusiasts. In an exclusive interview with local neighbors, dissatisfaction with Meghan Markle's lifestyle was palpable.
Complaints ranged from the couple's dogs defecating in the area to Meghan's perceived arrogance, which was exemplified by her extensive set of rules. Some neighbors even took the extraordinary step of filing a formal complaint with the authorities.
Furthermore, there is a prevailing sentiment among some neighbors that Meghan may be exerting undue influence over her husband, Prince Harry. As one neighbor expressed it, "I think she has more influence on Harry than he does on her." This perception has contributed to a growing public disapproval of Meghan, whose journey from a second-rate TV actress to a duchess has been accompanied by a noticeable shift in her public image.
The strained relationship between Meghan and Kate, the wife of Prince William, has also been a point of contention among the neighbors. Some attributed this tension to Meghan's apparent efforts to outshine Kate. One neighbor recounted an attempt to extend a warm welcome to the Sussexes when they first moved in, offering films about the history of the exclusive California enclave. However, Meghan and Harry reportedly showed little interest.
Harry and Meghan have been residing in an impressive £11.5 million mansion in Montecito since June 2020, shortly after stepping down as senior working royals. The property boasts a range of amenities, including a tennis court, an outdoor swimming pool, and a staggering 16 bedrooms.
Recent polling data in the United States suggests that Meghan Markle is viewed unfavorably by a majority of Americans, with 33 percent expressing disapproval of her and only 31 percent showing approval, resulting in a net approval rating of minus two. This rating represents an eight-point drop since the last poll conducted by Newsweek in June.
It's worth noting that the couple also ranks low on the list of individuals whom people would want to engage in conversation with over their garden fence, according to the same survey. Meghan Markle's presence in Montecito has been marred by controversy, and her actual and perceived attitudes have contributed to growing discontent among neighbors and a noticeable decline in public opinion
