Residents in the exclusive Santa Barbara neighborhood of Hope Ranch are pushing back against the idea of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry moving in to the area.
Sources close to the Homeowners Association at Hope Ranch revealed that locals in the community have expressed discontent at having the former royals join the neighborhood, according to TMZ. They’ve articulated that while they don’t have any angst toward the Sussex’s themselves, they’re worried about a potential media frenzy that may ensue if they move in, and aren’t welcoming them with open arms, according to TMZ.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s potential move up the road to an even more exclusive spot in Santa Barbara is cranking up the angst among the locals already. https://t.co/DjxDY4xNkE
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 4, 2022
The suburb that Markle and Harry are considering is a very quiet, exclusive one, and local residents reportedly fear the increased traffic and paparazzi might disturb their otherwise very peaceful area, according to TMZ. The roads in the Hope Ranch area are narrow and winding, Locals worry that increased traffic and in influx of cars swarming to see Markle and Harry will put their young children at unnecessary risk and bring traffic congestion into the neighborhood from the surrounding areas, according to TMZ. (RELATED: Royal Expert Claims Meghan Markle Was Not Invited To See Queen During Her Final Moments)
The region is home to quite a few big names, but none of them are under as much scrutiny as Markle and Harry. The villagers are hoping that by airing their grievances, their case will be strong enough to deter the Duke and Duchess from settling in to this otherwise peaceful community.