The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Life in Montecito: Neighbor Shares Surprising Insights
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who settled in Montecito after stepping down as senior royals in 2020, seem to be leading a quiet and somewhat isolated life in the upscale Californian town.
A neighbor of the couple has shed light on their lifestyle, suggesting that the Duke and Duchess may be struggling to form meaningful connections within their community.
These revelations come ahead of the release of a new documentary, *Harry: The Lost Prince*, set to air in Germany in December 2024. The documentary aims to examine whether Harry and Meghan have achieved their goals of "finding freedom" and becoming financially independent since leaving the royal family.
Award-winning filmmaker Ulrike Grunewald, who has covered the royal family as a correspondent since 1987, shared her perspective with *The Mail*. Grunewald remarked:
*"Harry and Meghan have set the bar very high. They want to be global benefactors who bring about tangible change. So far, they have not lived up to this image at all."*
Grunewald also noted the exclusivity of Montecito’s social scene:
*"On average, the millionaires and billionaires who move here pay eight to nine million euros for a house. The cultural life is very lively, but everything often takes place in closed circles, and Harry and Meghan rarely take part in these activities. They seem to have isolated themselves a lot."*
Richard Mineards, another Montecito resident, echoed these observations. Speaking to Grunewald, he described how the couple’s presence in the community is minimal:
*"Sometimes you will see her at the farmers’ market or with a dog, but generally you don’t see her, and you just don’t see much of him. It’s a shame. This is a lovely place."*
The insights from their neighbors paint a picture of a quieter, less socially engaged life for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, raising questions about their integration into the Montecito community and their pursuit of a new chapter outside royal duties.
