Meghan Markle is no ‘asset’ to neighbourhood – she ignores us while ‘jolly’ Harry comes out instead, local slams on doc
MEGHAN Markle is “no asset” to her neighbourhood and ignores locals while “jolly” Harry comes out instead, a local has claimed in a documentary.
Prince Harry said this week that he and Meghan have no plans to leave Montecito in California.
Speaking to New York Times columnist Andrew Sorkin, he said: “I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here.”
But neighbour Richard Mineards has told a German documentary he doesn’t often see the couple.
He said: “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. Harry has to a certain extent, because he’s quite jolly.
“But Meghan doesn’t seem to get seen anywhere. And you don’t see him either.”
Richard was interviewed for the new documentary, Harry: The Lost Prince.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to Montecito in California in summer 2020, just months after stepping down as working royals.
Harry, 40, has made several solo trips back to the UK this year alone – though remains estranged from much of the Firm.
The revelation comes after he and Meghan, 43, were rumoured to have snapped up a luxurious property in Alentejo, Portugal.
He is also continuing to press ahead with a legal battle against the Home Office over his taxpayer-funded security to ensure his family’s safety.
Harry and Meghan share kids Prince Archie, five, and three-year-old Lilbet.
Speaking during The New York Times’ DealBook Summit, Harrt said there are activities he can do with his children that he “undoubtedly wouldn’t be able to do in the UK”.
Harry said his focus now is on “being the best husband and the best dad that I can be”.
The Duke went on to tell NYT columnist and event founder Andrew Ross Sorkin he opposes a social media ban for children because it could lead to family arguments and bullying by classmates.
Instead, he said such companies should be subject to greater transparency and accountability.
He said social media has “already been intentionally created to be addictive” so banning it or removing it, “creates all sort of problems”.
Harry said he doesn’t have his own social media accounts to help protect his peace.
“I try to think at these things through the lens as a dad,” he said.
“It’s not a coincidence that the world has become more volatile and more divided since social media has been around for 20 years,” Harry added.
It comes after Meghan sent a message of support to guests at a charity’s carol concert in central London, wishing attendees a Merry Christmas “from my family to yours”.
Meghan’s remarks were shared in the programme for UK charity Smart Works’ carol service at St Marylebone Parish Church on Tuesday.
Harry and Meghan are understood to have bought a property in Portugal, that sits just a stone’s throw away from Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank.
The couple reportedly plan to set up a base there after being seen in the area last September following the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany.
They currently live in an £11million Montecito mansion, which boasts nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a pool and a tennis court.
A source told Closer: “Buying in Portugal is a shrewd move for Meghan.
“She’s deeply concerned that the Royal Family might manipulate Harry into reintegrating without her, so she needs to be proactive to make sure she’s not isolated or pushed to the sidelines.
“Now, if it is deemed safe from a security standpoint, it’s likely she’ll give her blessing for Harry to take Archie and Lilibet to see their grandpa, King Charles, at some point.
“And in terms of logistics, having a place in Portugal will make that easier, because Meghan can fly over with the kids without feeling trapped.”
Meghan has returned to the UK just twice since the Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020.
Both of the visits were in 2022, with the first being the late Queen’s Jubilee and then her funeral.
Prince Harry’s trips have been more frequent, with him doing four visits this year.
In September the Duke made a solo trip to attend the WellChild Awards where he met seriously ill youngsters and their families.
During the whistle stop visit he did not meet up with Prince William and King Charles, according to reports.
The couple are said to have splashed out on the home in Portugal after being asked to vacate their former UK home Frogmore Cottage by King Charles two years ago.
It is said to be close to Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie, Jack, August, two, and Ernest, six months, who are said to be splitting their time between living at the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club and their life back in the UK.
The reason for the move is Jack’s job, as he is doing marketing, sales and promotion for property entrepreneur Mike Meldman, who is managing the 300-home development there.
The purchase may allow the Sussexes to acquire a “Golden Visa”, where they would have access to the EU’s Schengen area, reports the Daily Mail.