"Harry and Meghan go back to England?" Better that way, they were always here asking exaggerated favors and never returning anything. They had no respect: the outpouring of their neighbors in Montecito

Harry and Meghan are preparing their luggage for a return to England, and some residents in California are already expressing relief. The couple’s decision to reverse course and begin anew on the opposite side of the Atlantic has sparked mixed emotions among longtime neighbors in Montecito, a quiet and exclusive neighborhood in Santa Barbara. According to reports from local media, several residents have voiced their satisfaction with the move, citing concerns over the couple's perceived lack of respect and their tendency to request excessive favors without reciprocating. The announcement came just days after the Sussexes revealed their plans to relocate back to the UK, marking a shift from their previous life in Southern California. Some neighbors, who had initially welcomed the royal couple, now see their departure as a positive change. One resident told reporters that the community was always wary of the attention surrounding the couple, especially given the negative media coverage they had attracted. “There were so many articles and such intense media focus around them and the royal family,” said one neighbor, explaining how locals feared the spotlight might disrupt the tranquil atmosphere of Montecito. The area, known for its affluent lifestyle and privacy, requires discretion and respect from its residents. Neighbors described the Sussexes as being overly demanding, often seeking favors based on their royal titles without offering anything in return. This behavior, combined with their public presence during the wildfires that ravaged parts of California in early 2025, left some residents feeling disillusioned. Although the couple attended a charity event in Pasadena to support victims of the fires, their appearance was criticized as more of a media stunt than genuine community involvement. The couple’s impact on the local community extended beyond their personal habits. Their arrival six years ago had already stirred controversy, with some residents questioning whether their presence would maintain the area’s exclusivity. Now, as the Sussexes prepare to leave, there is a sense of anticipation among locals who hope the neighborhood will return to its quieter state. “Montecito is a very private and peaceful place,” another neighbor remarked, adding that many residents are happy to see the situation become less publicized. Beyond the social dynamics, the Sussexes' potential new home in England appears increasingly likely. Several factors point toward this direction. Among them is the presence of Princess Beatrice of York, a cousin of Prince Harry, who maintains close ties with the couple. Additionally, there are indications that Meghan may have played a role in accelerating the decision to return, particularly through ongoing discussions with filmmaker Guy Ritchie regarding a role in his upcoming series The Gentleman, which is set in the Cotswolds region of England. The timing of the move seems to align with broader developments. With schools in England set to reopen soon, the couple’s children, Archie and Lilibet, are expected to attend classes shortly. As the Sussexes prepare for their return, the stage is set for a new chapter in their lives, one that may bring them closer to the heart of British royalty once again.