It seems the Duke and Duchess of Sussex can't catch a break, even in their idyllic Montecito sanctuary. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing an olfactory assault in their luxurious £12 million estate, all thanks to the proliferation of nearby cannabis farms.
The couple, who reside with their children Archie and Lilibet, have created a lavish lifestyle for themselves in their Montecito mansion, complete with a cinema, gym, and swimming pool. However, their tranquil bubble has been burst by the overpowering "skunk-like" and "jaw-clenching" odors wafting in from the surrounding cannabis cultivation operations.
The explosion of legal marijuana farming in California, replacing traditional crops like grapes and avocados, has become a source of consternation for local residents. Desperate measures have been taken, with one neighbor even calling in pest control, assuming rodents were the culprit behind the foul stench. Alas, the problem lies not with vermin, but with the booming cannabis industry.
According to reports, legal action has been initiated against two of the offending farms, sparing the one allegedly linked to Meghan's television projects. These targeted farms have been identified as the primary contributors to the olfactory nuisance plaguing the area.
Attempts to mitigate the issue include the consideration of expensive filtering machines, known as "scrubbers," which can cost £17,000 each and require ten per acre for optimal effectiveness. It's a costly endeavor, but one that may be necessary to restore a sense of peace and tranquility to this exclusive enclave.
The Duke's recent revelations about his past marijuana use, shared during a live Q&A session to promote his memoir "Spare," have only added to the intrigue surrounding this fragrant saga. Meanwhile, the couple is described as reclusive within their Montecito neighborhood, earning them the nickname "ghosts" from their fellow residents.
As the Sussexes continue to navigate the challenges of their newfound life in California, it seems they've encountered an unexpected and rather pungent obstacle to their pursuit of privacy and serenity. Who knew that the sweet smell of success could turn so sour?
