We’ll never be royals: the California town where Prince Harry and Meghan lived says goodbye
As the couple plans their return to the UK, Montecito’s whirlwind stint on the global stage may be coming to an end
TL;DR
- Montecito, an enclave near Santa Barbara, is known as a celebrity hideout, with figures like Oprah Winfrey and Gwyneth Paltrow residing there.
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were notable residents, with their $14.7m estate attracting significant media attention.
- Local residents and officials had mixed reactions to the couple's presence and their impending departure.
- Some residents, like Susanne, expressed sadness about the royal family's division and hoped for reconciliation.
- Others, like Facebook page moderator Erin E Doherty, found the couple's presence unremarkable and appreciated their low profile.
- Montecito tourism officials welcomed the couple and expressed hope they found respite in the area.
- One resident, a 'working-class contractor,' viewed the couple's departure positively, feeling the town had become too 'rich-ified'.
- Harry and Meghan reportedly intend to retain ownership of their Montecito property.