Meghan Markle called out by Montecito neighbor for not ‘getting involved’ with local community
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Meghan Markle has faced criticism from one of her neighbors in Montecito, California, who claims the Duchess of Sussex is not an “asset” to their community.
Richard Mineards, who lives close to the royal couple, told Daily Mail that he feels Meghan has not made an effort to engage with the local community.
Meghan Markle's Montecito neighbor speaks out
“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," Richard Mineards said about Meghan Markle, adding that unlike his wife, Prince Harry is “quite jolly” but is rarely seen either.
Mineards further remarked that despite their high-profile presence, the Sussexes seem to keep to themselves and are seldom seen in the neighborhood, making it difficult for them to contribute to the community in any meaningful way.
This isn’t the first time Meghan and Harry have faced backlash from their Montecito neighbors. In July 2023, 88-year-old US Navy veteran Frank McGinity alleged that he was snubbed when he attempted to give the couple a set of films he had made about the history of the area.
McGinity described being turned away by a gatekeeper who said, “They’re not interested,” and noted that the couple’s quiet, reclusive nature had drawn similar comments from other locals.
Since relocating to Montecito in 2020, after stepping down from their royal duties, Meghan and Harry have embraced a life of privacy, with Meghan frequently seen socializing with Hollywood figures like Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, rather than with their local neighbors.
Internet backs Meghan Markle after Montecito neighbor says she's not an 'asset' to local community
While Meghan Markle's Montecito neighbor may claim that the duchess is not particularly social within the affluent California community where she resides with Prince Harry and their two children, many people on social media have come to her defense.
"She is an asset to her husband and children and those who love her dearly, and that's endless," one user wrote.
"God, her husband and children know that she's an asset. Y'all who are hating on her because of obvious reasons, shame on you! She owes y'all nothing!" another commented.
"So she doesn’t mingle or yenta with the neighbors, and that makes her not an asset or worthy to live there? Neighbors need to mind their business. Not everyone’s a social butterfly," one user remarked.
"Uhh, a lot of people don’t (mingle)! This ain't new, lol! Leave her alone!" a user commented.
"How about stay in your lane," another succinctly added.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
