Harry And Meghan’s Montecito Neighbors Claim They Aren’t Part Of Community

Prince Harry and Markle Meghan's Montecito neighbors reportedly said the couple "haven't become part of the community," even after years of stay.

Despite the Duke of Sussex claiming they have been "welcomed with open arms" by their neighbors, Richard Mineards, a gossip column writer for the Montecito Journal, claimed that locals have been left talking about their reported lack of integration into the community, according to The Times.

"Harry and Meghan haven't become part of the community, and I think a lot of people are bristling about that really," he said. "It's such a lovely place to go out and they've been a no show. There is this big question of, 'Where are they?'"

During Harry's interview with news anchor Hoda Kotb which aired Wednesday, the 36-year-old royal claimed the community as "great." According to Harry, the United States, specifically Santa Barbara, feels more like home to him. "We've been welcomed with open arms and we've got such a great community up in Santa Barbara."

The Sussexes bought a £11.5 million ($14.7 million) mansion with massive lawns, a tennis court and an outdoor swimming pool in the Montecito neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California, months after officially announcing they were withdrawing as senior members of the British Royal Family in 2020.

Harry also talked about the Royal Family in the same interview, revealing that he wants the "right people" around Queen Elizabeth to "protect" her, as one reason he flew to the United Kingdom. He told Kotb "I'm just making sure that she's, you know, protected and got the right people around her." Harry returned to the UK with his wife Meghan — their first joint UK trip since March 2020.

There were speculations about his controversial comment as to who he could be referring to. Meanwhile, the Royal Family was said to be "wearied" by the never-ending drama surrounding Harry but still determined to put on business as usual, as they marked the Queen's 96th birthday. Harry is said to have a historic dislike for the so-called "men in grey suits," who are known to be the senior courtiers who advise the Queen.