MONTECITO NEIGHBORS AREN’T EXACTLY SAD TO SEE HARRY AND MEGHAN GO

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s planned return to the UK appears to be getting a surprisingly warm reaction from some of their Montecito neighbors — though not exactly for the reasons the Sussexes might have hoped.

According to residents who spoke exclusively to Page Six, some locals are reportedly “thrilled” by the news, saying they are ready for the quiet Santa Barbara community to return to the way it was before the Sussexes arrived.

One resident said there had been concerns when Harry and Meghan first moved to Montecito in 2020, largely because of the intense media attention surrounding the couple and the royal family. While the area is already home to celebrities including Oprah Winfrey and Rob Lowe, the Sussexes allegedly brought a different level of scrutiny to the normally private community.

Another neighbor was even more blunt, telling Page Six: “Good riddance!”

The source claimed some locals felt the couple had become associated with constant drama and alleged that they would ask friends and acquaintances for favors “because of their titles.” The resident further claimed that some people in town had jokingly nicknamed the Sussexes the “Grift and Griftess of Sussex.”

Those are, however, the opinions of individual residents quoted by Page Six — not evidence that the entire Montecito community feels the same way.

The Sussexes are not necessarily leaving Montecito for good

Page Six reported that Harry and Meghan plan to return to Britain with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, at the end of August for an “extended period.” The family is reportedly planning to keep their $14.5 million Montecito property while spending significantly more time in the UK.

There has also been speculation that the mansion could eventually be sold, although that remains unconfirmed.

The move would mark a dramatic change for the couple, who relocated to California after stepping back as senior working royals in 2020. Six years later, their return to Harry’s home country is reportedly being driven partly by family considerations.

King Charles III is said to be an important factor. Harry, Meghan and their children reunited with the King at Highgrove in July — the first time Charles had seen Archie and Lilibet in four years.

Sources have also claimed the Sussexes want their children to build stronger relationships with relatives and friends in Britain, with Archie and Lilibet reportedly expected to attend school in the UK during the extended stay.

For now, Harry and Meghan are expected to remain non-working members of the royal family while continuing their business projects.

After years of headlines surrounding their life in California, the Sussexes’ return to Britain could end up changing far more than just their address.