Harry and Meghan's neighbours say area is where 'elephants come to die'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced criticism from Montecito locals who say they never see the couple, while one man was turned away by security at their home.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's neighbours have told what it is like to live near the couple as they admitted they never see them.

The Duke and Dutchess of Sussex, along with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, moved to California after they left their royal roles in 2020. One neighbour named Frank McGinty said he was snubbed at the gates of the Sussexes' plush multi-million dollar pad, saying "they're not interested" in neighbourly bonds.

The US Navy vet had hoped to share his films about Montecito's history to help them settle but got the brush-off from their security. He dishes on this frosty reception in his memoir 'Get Off Your Street', which also touches on the area's past mudslide woes.

The 88 year old penned: "The gate guy turned me away and wouldn't take the film, just saying 'they're not interested'. I was trying to be neighbourly. If they were interested in the neighbourhood I've got a lot of information."

McGinity was gobsmacked when he heard that Meghan and Harry had picked the Riven Rock Estate for their nest, as it's usually a hotspot for an older crowd, not young families, reports the Express.

He asserted: "It's surprising they came here. People are typically older. It's where the elephants come to die."

In conversation with the Montecito Journal, he followed up with: "We don't see them very much around here."

Additionally, Harry and Meghan's neighbour Richard Mineards expressed to The Telegraph his disappointment at not spotting the couple more frequently in the locale, saying that the community is keenly "waiting for them" and "gnashing at the bit". Meanwhile, Barry Maher complained to the Mirror about the Sussexes' "travelling soap opera", highlighting their choice of a "considerably pricier spot" and their rarity in public appearances.

A property expert suggested that the maintenance costs of the couple's £12m residence is thought to be astronomical.

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Speaking to Fabulous magazine, Eric Bramlett from Bramlett Residential clarified: "Managing a £12million ($14 million) mansion like Harry and Meghan's in Montecito takes a lot of work."

He further detailed that it would likely need a team of 10 to 15 regular staff, including cleaners, a personal chef, and security measures.

Bramlett elaborated on the financial implications, stating: "Just paying the staff salaries, utilities, landscaping, maintenance, security, and more could easily cost hundreds of thousands per year."

The Sussexes have been approached by Express.co.uk for a response.

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