Meghan Markle is not winning the reputation vote among the domestic staff in Montecito.
The Duchess of Sussex seems to have opened up a massive wave of local gossip due to her alleged behavior during employment interviews. The words come as Prince Harry and his family prepare to return to the U.K. for an extended stay.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have resided in the Santa Barbara area since 2020 following their departure from royal life, commonly known as “Megxit.”
4It has been revealed that the Duchess of Sussex experienced severe difficulties trying to adequately staff her California mansion with professional housekeepers before her family’s planned relocation.
Meghan reportedly personally interviewed potential housekeepers and could come across as “really snobbish and rude,” according to an insider. Some candidates were allegedly so offended by how she spoke to them that the story began spreading among local domestic workers.
The local source claimed the situation eventually became a running joke in the wealthy California community. The residents allegedly “joked that all the maids in Montecito hated them.”
Meghan’s alleged “rude” reputation made hiring difficult as “housekeepers in Montecito didn’t want to work for them,” because “word got around.” According to Page Six, Meghan’s alleged reputation made hiring housekeepers difficult for the Sussexes.
The outlet also noted that four members of Harry and Meghan’s team left their positions in June 2025, including deputy press secretary Kyle Boulia and U.K. press officer Charlie Gipson. Two members of their private team also vanished from their roles, while the couple brought in new advisers.
How The Montecito Neighbors Reportedly Feel About Megxit Reverse
4Harry and Meghan’s upcoming U.K. stay has reportedly received an unexpectedly positive reaction from some Montecito residents. One local said there had been concerns when the couple first arrived because of the intense negative press and attention surrounding them and the Royal Family.
The insider said people worried about what that attention meant and compared the Sussexes to other popular residents, including Oprah Winfrey and Rob Lowe.
The resident said locals could not be more thrilled about the royals’ departure. They described Montecito as a “very private, peaceful place” and said residents would be happy to see the area become quieter again. Another neighbor was even more blunt, responding, “Good riddance!”
Some residents believe the Sussexes brought an unusual level of media attention to Montecito. One local also alleged that the couple asked friends and acquaintances for “grandiose favors” because of their royal status without giving much back.
The source described the town as “exhausted by them, the entitlement and the never-ending drama,” while stressing that these views did not represent the entire community. The Blast shared that the couple plans to hold on to their massive $14.5 million estate.
The extensive nine-bedroom and 16-bathroom property features a private tennis court, a rose garden, and a children’s playhouse. However, luxury real estate experts note that formal rumblings have already begun regarding the home hitting the open market soon.
Meghan Markle’s Mom’s Departure From Montecito Mansion Also Spun Reputation Theories
4The intense domestic friction inside the household reportedly extended directly to the Duchess’s own maternal relationships. In July 2025, Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, left the Montecito mansion after allegedly becoming fed up with her “constant moaning and drama.”
Ragland had reportedly moved in for about 18 months to help with the children while Harry and Meghan dealt with personal and professional challenges.
Ragland’s departure allegedly left Meghan distraught and struggling to adjust. She had reportedly been a major source of support for the family and had helped strengthen her bond with her children, Archie and Lilibet.
As reported by The Blast, a distraught Meghan actively begged her mother to stay as she walked out the front door with a suitcase in hand. Ragland has now officially chosen to return to her previous routine of simply shuttling back and forth from Los Angeles.
The yoga teacher’s departure came with other fallout. Four key members of her team had reportedly left, including Boulia and Gipson. The Duchess and Harry had also distanced themselves from some former friends, including Priyanka Chopra, Millie Mackintosh and the Beckhams, whom they had accused of leaking information to the media.
Inside The Duchess’ Debut Wine Brand Controversy
Back in 2025, Meghan decided to release her wine line during “As Ever’s” second drop. The $30-per-bottle wine launched on Princess Diana’s birthday was viewed as insensitive. The wine reportedly sold out within an hour on her brand’s website.
Royal expert Kinsey Schofield called the decision a bad idea and claimed a royal family source was aware of it. The source also claimed Prince William was unimpressed, particularly because Diana died in a “drink-driving tragedy.” Schofield described the move as “tone-deaf” and “almost cruel,” arguing that the timing bordered on callous.
Bedell Smith recalled that Queen Elizabeth had concerns about Meghan’s influence over Harry and reportedly told Lady Elizabeth Anson, “Harry is besotted and weak about women.”
Royal commentator Esther Krakue claimed that sources close to King Charles believe Harry is under Meghan’s control. “We know that King Charles said something about him being whipped,” Krakue noted.
Meghan Markle Tangles With ‘Mixed Emotions’ Amid Megxit Buzz
4Meghan’s return to the U.K. reportedly comes with some emotional weight because of her previous experience. PR specialist Nick Ede believed she could have “mixed emotions” about returning because the country holds both happy and painful memories.
He noted that she would now return with her own businesses, public profile and boundaries rather than as a new working royal. Harry’s reasons for returning are also tied to family. Ede said the Duke wants to strengthen his relationship with King Charles and give Archie and Lilibet more opportunities to spend time with their grandfather.
The Blast revealed that the King’s ongoing health battle has made that relationship even more important to Harry. Meghan had previously shared concerns about raising her children in the U.K. In August 2022, she spoke about wanting to protect Archie from paparazzi attention, particularly around school.
Despite those earlier concerns and Harry’s unsuccessful attempt to secure maximum security through legal action, the Sussexes are now preparing to spend more time in the U.K.
Will Meghan Markle address the reputation claims?