Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, who relocated from the UK to Montecito in 2020, have seemingly left their neighbors unimpressed.
Despite their status, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear to have failed to make a lasting impression on the locals in Montecito, according to recent reports.
"It's as if they're just part of the scenery here. People don't go out of their way to interact with them," shared Mary Sheldon, owner of a local bookstore, in conversation with Express.
Sheldon, residing less than a mile from the couple, mentioned sporadic sightings of black SUVs but observed no significant impact on the community.
Regarding Harry's memoir, "Spare," Sheldon remarked, "I gave it a read, but I didn't feel compelled to finish it. It's well-written, but it didn't particularly resonate with our customers."
She added that the book sold about 20 copies since its January 2023 release, suggesting modest interest.
Montecito, home to approximately 8,638 residents and notable personalities like Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey, maintains a laid-back atmosphere where celebrities often blend in with the community.
"Oprah is a regular here. She does her own shopping," Sheldon noted, contrasting the approachability of local celebrities with her perception of the royal couple. "I haven't seen Meghan and Harry around, but perhaps they prefer to shop online or have others do it for them."
Echoing Sheldon's sentiment, other Montecito residents conveyed a similarly relaxed attitude toward having royalty in their neighborhood.
