Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s move to Montecito, California, following their departure from royal duties in 2020, continues to draw intense public attention. This week, a German documentary, “Harry – The Lost Prince,” broadcast on ZDF, has reignited criticism of the couple’s lifestyle and level of community engagement in their new home.
The documentary features commentary from Richard Mineards, a Montecito neighbor, who expresses disappointment with Meghan Markle’s apparent lack of participation in local activities. Mineards is quoted in the Daily Mail as stating, “I personally don’t think that Meghan is an asset to our community. She doesn’t really go out or get involved with the community. Harry has, to a certain extent, because he’s quite jolly, but Meghan doesn’t seem to get seen anywhere. And you don’t see him either.” This perspective highlights a growing narrative questioning the couple’s integration into their Californian community.
Adding fuel to the fire, royal commentator Julie Burchill, writing for The Spectator, drew a controversial comparison between the Sussexes’ recent challenges and Queen Elizabeth II’s tumultuous “annus horribilis” in 1992. While acknowledging the stark differences – the Queen’s difficulties stemming from unforeseen circumstances, while the Sussexes’ are largely viewed as self-inflicted – Burchill’s commentary, which labels the couple as “grifters” and describes Meghan as “hollow – like a Russian doll,” is sure to spark debate. Burchill further parallels the couple’s current controversies with events of 1992, including Princess Diana’s candid interview and the fire at Windsor Castle, drawing parallels between the crises faced by the royal family then and now.
Despite this wave of criticism, Prince Harry remains steadfast in his commitment to their life in the US. During a recent summit in New York, he reaffirmed his intention to remain in the United States, emphasizing the security and opportunities afforded to his children, Archie and Lilibet, in Montecito. He highlighted the freedoms enjoyed by his family in California, freedoms he suggests would be unattainable in the UK amidst persistent security concerns. This resolute stance reinforces the couple’s long-term commitment to their chosen lifestyle, despite the ongoing public scrutiny.
The debate surrounding the Sussexes’ life in Montecito underscores the complex relationship between celebrity, privacy, and public expectations. While some criticize their perceived lack of community involvement, others empathize with their desire for a more private family life outside the intense pressures of royal life. This ongoing narrative promises to remain a captivating topic of discussion for the foreseeable future, as the Sussexes navigate their new life and continue to shape their public image.
