Meghan Markle's neighbors criticize her 'desperate' attempt to abandon 'tiaras in favor of Tupperware'

Despite some Montecito residents not welcoming their royal neighbors, others have embraced them with open arms.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's attention to their wealthy, coastal home has caused locals to become angry.

The California town was portrayed as peaceful and friendly until the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved in 2020.

"Schofield stated that Montecito residents are mainly critical of Meghan due to her perceived "new money energy," while they believe that Harry and Meghan lack financial knowledge."

Schofield claims that neighbors perceive the couple's entertainment activities as a sign of desperation. The Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," will debut in March. Additionally, her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, is predicted to launch at some point this year.

"It's difficult for neighbors to understand why someone would choose Tupperware over tiaras," she said. "Selling kitchenware with an American Riviera Orchard logo is not as impressive as hosting world leaders."

Following a Vanity Fair article that referred to Meghan and Harry as "local villains" by neighbors, Schofield made his remarks.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's representative did not promptly respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's inquiry regarding the extensive article.

"Neighbors have a hard time processing why someone would turn their back on tiaras in pursuit of Tupperware. Selling pots and pans with an American Riviera Orchard logo on it just does not compete with state visits with world leaders." — Kinsey Schofield, host of the To Di For Daily podcast

A Montecito resident, who has never met the couple but spoke to the outlet, referred to the duke and duchess as the prince and "the starlet."

The pair was blamed by locals in the Santa Barbara area for causing new irritations, such as higher housing costs and crowded streets dominated by "outsiders."

Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that several Montecito residents believe that Harry and Meghan's presence brings negative and unwanted drama to their picturesque area.

WATCH: MEGHAN MARKLE WILL NEVER WIN OVER UK PUBLIC AGAIN, AUTHOR CLAIMS

"Montecito, once a peaceful haven, has become a hub of celebrity attention thanks to the presence of Meghan and Harry. This has brought unwanted attention to other high-profile Hollywood residents, drawing crowds of curious onlookers to the area. These tourists flock to the restaurants in hopes of spotting the famous stars."

Despite the global attention on Montecito due to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex residing there, the couple is seldom spotted by locals or tourists.

"Schofield stated that he searched through Montecito's society papers and magazines, but he couldn't find any photos or mentions of Harry and Meghan attending local charity galas or making community contributions. He explained that they are introverted individuals who are friendly but not as open and engaging as some might expect."

Chard agreed with Schofield's sentiments.

She stated that Meghan and Harry are private at home and do not actively participate in the community.

According to a source, it was reported that Harry doesn't lead a social life.

The source, who previously interacted with Meghan professionally, told Vanity Fair that Meghan was open about Harry not having many friends yet.

Local fans are becoming increasingly difficult for the couple to win over, according to Schofield.

Montecito has gained popularity due to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's presence, although Oprah Winfrey and Katy Perry also reside there, their presence is kept low-key. Unlike other celebrities, paparazzi do not travel long distances to capture their images.

"The presence of Harry and Meghan has led to daily mentions of Montecito, with Harry also sharing that Orlando Bloom had warned him about photographers hiding in the area. This has altered the environment."

Since Meghan and Harry moved to Montecito in 2020, the neighborhood has experienced a significant increase in tourist traffic, according to anonymous residents who spoke to an outlet.

Meghan's latest business venture, American Riviera Orchard, is situated in Montecito. Despite the Southern Pacific Company rail lines' publication of a book in 1898 that labeled Montecito the "American Riviera," recent reports suggest that Santa Barbara has now earned this title.

"A resident told Vanity Fair that it's hucksterism and all about monetizing something in every way possible."

"The resident believes that the couple is the most entitled and disingenuous individuals on the planet. Despite moving to the United States to escape media scrutiny in England, they continue to seek attention from the press."

Since stepping back as senior members of the royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been estranged from the royal family. The couple stated that the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British press were the reasons behind their departure.

Since then, they’ve made headlines for airing their grievances.

In late 2022, after discussing their difficulties with royal life to Winfrey in a widely viewed interview, the couple released their Netflix docuseries, "Harry & Meghan." Following that, in early 2023, Harry published his memoir, "Spare."

Each launch highlighted new allegations about their time as working royals.

"According to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, the perception of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as "local villains" when it comes to claims depends on who you speak to. The couple has put Montecito on the international map due to their move there after stepping down as senior working royals. While they disliked the press they received in the UK, they generally received positive coverage in the US."

Fitzwilliams observed that the positive press is shifting, as seen in Vanity Fair, The Cut, and The Hollywood Reporter's critical articles.

If Archewell, the foundation of the couple, became a significant contributor in the charity sector, they may earn the approval of their strict neighbors.

"Archewell needs to step up and change public perception," she said. "One issue people have with Harry and Meghan is that they are monetizing their relationship with the British royal family while disrespecting them. They constantly boast about their good deeds, but so far, they have caused more harm than good. It's time for Archewell to be the focus."

Ian Pelham Turner, a royal expert, holds a differing opinion. He contends that the couple has been unjustly criticized following their departure from the UK.

That scrutiny, he noted, won't end anytime soon.

"According to him, Harry and Meghan are living the dream existence. However, in my opinion, they are in a perpetual nightmare, constantly worrying about which sling or arrow will be plunged into their family heart next."

"In Montecito, the residents complain that they do nothing for the community," he shared. "In reality, the couple live in a bunker world, constantly worrying who to trust and what might be said about them."

This report was contributed to by Lauryn Overhultz of Planet Chronicle Digital and The Associated Press.