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Harry, Meghan UK return sparks neighbour reaction

By Sohail Khan 21 August 2026, 5:15 pm

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Business News›News›International›Global Trends›Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s UK return update: ‘The town is exhausted by entitlement and never-ending drama,’ California neighbours react to their exit

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s UK return update: ‘The town is exhausted by entitlement and never-ending drama,’ California neighbours react to their exit

Synopsis

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s planned return to the UK has sparked a blunt reaction from their Montecito, California neighbours. While some were surprised, others said that they are “exhausted by entitlement and never-ending drama” as the Sussexes prepare for an extended stay in Britain with Archie and Lilibet. Markle and the Prince are also planning to live on a private, non-royal property as they move back.

Prince Harry and Meghan are returning to the UK without taking back royal duties — Prince Harry and Meghan's return comes as Prince Harry has recently spoken openly about wanting reconciliation with his family

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s decision to spend an extended period in the UK is being met with a mixed reaction in Montecito, California, where the couple have lived for more than six years. While some neighbours were reportedly surprised by the news, others appear relieved that the Sussexes could soon spend less time in the exclusive community.

The couple are expected to move to a private, non-royal residence outside London this fall, with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, reportedly enrolled at British schools from September, according to an AP report.

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s California neighbours react

According to Page Six, one local sentiment was particularly blunt: “The town is exhausted by them, the entitlement, and the never-ending drama." Another comment reflected concerns that existed when the couple first moved to the area.

“When we first heard Harry and Meghan were moving to Montecito, there were definitely some concerns. There had already been so much negative press and attention surrounding them and the royal family, and I think people are worried about what kind of spotlight that could bring to such a quiet community.”

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to Montecito after stepping back from royal duties and relocating to California in 2020. Their arrival brought significant media attention to the normally quiet community. Now, as reports emerge that the family plans to spend an extended period in Britain, some Montecito residents appear ready for a quieter chapter.

Montecito residents hope life becomes quieter

For years, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have remained among the most closely watched celebrity residents in the California enclave. Their interviews, Netflix projects, Harry's memoir Spare and continuing disputes with the royal family have kept them at the centre of public attention.

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One neighbour reportedly summed up the mood by saying, “Montecito is a very private, peaceful place, and I think a lot of people here will be happy to see things go back to being a little quieter.”

The reported move, however, does not mean the Sussexes are permanently leaving California. According to the Associated Press, the family plans to retain their Montecito home as well as their vacation property in Portugal.

Why are Harry and Meghan returning to the UK?

Harry and Meghan's return comes as Prince Harry has recently spoken openly about wanting reconciliation with his family. Harry has also been spending more time in Britain through charity work and recently visited the UK, where Meghan and the children joined him for part of the trip.

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The couple's children are expected to begin classes at British schools in September. The family will reportedly live away from the royal residences and will not return as working members of the monarchy.

Harry is also expected to continue his work with UK-based charities, while Meghan will continue running her As Ever business from Britain. When asked about the reports during an event in Washington, Harry kept his response brief, saying, “Nothing to say.”

The Sussexes’ complicated relationship with the royal family

The move comes more than six years after Harry and Meghan stepped away from royal duties and began building a new life in the United States. Their relationship with the royal family has remained strained, with Harry's public comments, Spare and the couple's interviews adding to tensions.

However, Harry has recently indicated that he wants to put some of the conflict behind him. “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” Harry told the BBC. “I don’t know how much longer my father has.”

With Archie and Lilibet now expected to attend school in Britain, the Sussexes' UK return could mark a significant new chapter for the family — while their California home remains part of their lives.

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