Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved into their a 16-bedroom, 16-bathroom Mediterranean-style mansion in Montecito, California to start a new life just six years ago.
All appeared well in paradise as the couple showed off their idyllic community after purchasing the estate for an eye-watering $A21 million (US$14.65 million) at the time.
But since then, things appear to have soured.
Harry and Meghan have apparently been branded “takers” with “zero self-awareness” as elite Montecito neighbours begin to shun the pair.
Local residents in the exclusive California enclave are allegedly “over it” as the shine wears off the former royals.
“They are avoiding them”, a source told Page Six. “No one wants to be seen with them.”
“It’s not hate. It’s just a growing awareness that they’re takers with zero self-awareness. Everyone’s exhausted by them.”
The reported “cold shoulder” comes after claims that Netflix boss Ted Sarandos refused to be on calls with the pair without a lawyer present.
A Netflix spokesperson and Markle’s lawyer previously called those claims “absolutely inaccurate” and “blatantly false.”
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s neighbours don’t want to be seen with the couple. Picture: Dominic Lipinski – Pool/Getty Images
The pair moved into the $US14.65 million home in 2020 after stepping away from royal duties. Picture: Google Maps
The Sussexes purchased their estate home in 2020 after stepping back from royal duties and relocating to the US.
“They have settled into the quiet privacy of their community since their arrival and hope that this will be respected for their neighbours, as well as them for a family,” a spokesperson told Vogue at the time.
The ultra-wealthy suburb is home to A-list stars including Oprah Winfrey, Katy Perry, Ellen DeGeneres, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jennifer Aniston.
In 2020, Sharon Stone told Access Hollywood, “You know, the thing about them that is so great is they didn’t come here to live off of our community, they came here to be a part of our community.”
But the initial shine seems to have been wearing off for some time.
Their neighbours are reportedly “exhausted” by them. Picture: Netflix
A neighbour previously said Markle was not an “asset” to the community. Picture: Andrew Milligan – WPA Pool/Getty Images
In the German documentary Harry: The Lost Prince, neighbour Richard Mineards said Markle was not an “asset” to the area.
“I personally don’t think that Meghan is an asset to our community,” Mr Mineards said.
“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.”
A source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex insisted the pair “have a great relationship with their neighbours and love their community.”
The latest social snub comes as Markle used her home’s garden to promote $US225 ($A322) luxury flower boxes through her brand, As Ever.
It was recently announced that Netflix had severed its partnership with As Ever after 11 months.
A house in Montecito is adorned by pig statues. Picture: Google Maps
The reported social freeze comes as the neighbourhood faces a second, more literal “eyesore” just streets away from the Sussexes’ gates.
Meghan and Harry’s ‘Pig House’ neighbour
It is the “Pig House” causing a stink in one of the world’s most exclusive postcodes.
Roughly 6,000 pig figurines have taken over a Montecito property, leaving neighbours squealing and tourists stopping in their tracks, the New York Post reports.
Thousands of figurines blanket the property. Inside, the obsession is wall-to-wall. Shelves, cabinets and even the bathroom are stuffed with hog-themed decor.
Some residents have reportedly complained, asking owner Nikki Grosso if she really needs to keep the thousands of items on display.
The tension has even led to crime. Pieces have been stolen right off the property, according to SFGate.
The owner claims to have over 6,000 pig related items. Picture: Google Maps
Despite the pressure, Ms Grosso is not budging.
What started as a gift 50 years ago, a single figurine for her husband who was a police officer, spiralled into a five-decade obsession.
One pig became hundreds. Hundreds became thousands. Friends and family added to the pile over years of vacations and antique shop finds.
Following the death of her husband, Ms Grosso’s collection became a heartfelt tribute where every snout holds a memory.
Ms Grosso is planning to sell the home within the next year. When the property goes, the pigs go too. The collection is likely to be auctioned off online, piece by piece.
Parts of this story first appeared in Page Six and the New York Post and were republished with permission.
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