Montecito Residents Up in Arms Over Meghan Markle’s Paparazzi and Film Crew’s Illegal Parking

The Montecito area in Santa Barbara is known for its exclusivity, but tensions have been brewing as residents in the neighborhood express frustration over unauthorized parking.

Nestled in the secluded hillside estates of Santa Barbara, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made their home, locals are up in arms following a ruling against their request in a recent parking dispute.

Questions have been raised as to why Meghan was not penalized for illegal parking, despite complaints from residents regarding her paparazzi team and crews from Spotify and Netflix who have been frequenting the area since 2022.

A heated dispute unfolded in the region over encroachments on the roads, with Montecito residents resorting to placing unapproved boulders and signs to deter visitors from parking along the east mountain drive.

Among those visitors were Meghan's paparazzi team, who struggled to find suitable parking arrangements without drawing attention to their presence at her residence.

Despite attempts to maintain a low profile, Meghan herself has been seen walking around the area with her bodyguards, while their vehicle remains parked along the roadside.

While Harry is known for his concerns about privacy, Meghan's behavior has stirred controversy among the residents, with some labeling their actions as entitled and disrespectful.

The couple's tendency to attract attention and create chaos wherever they go has irked many locals, who feel that their behavior is unwarranted given their status.

The ongoing saga has left residents feeling exasperated with Meghan and Harry, questioning their motives and actions in the community.

In response to the parking issues, Santa Barbara County has designated only eight parking spaces at the base of the Hot Springs Trail, which falls short of the demand in the area.

Authorities recently issued notices to property owners, instructing them to remove any unauthorized road obstructions placed in public right-of-ways.

Three homeowners were specifically warned to dismantle barriers such as boulders, mailboxes, and no parking signs that were installed to dissuade guests of Meghan and Harry from leaving their vehicles parked in the vicinity.

The uproar among residents on East Mountain Drive prompted them to launch a petition to contest the removal of their parking deterrents, highlighting the escalating tensions in the neighborhood.

Amidst the turmoil, reports have surfaced indicating that Meghan and Harry are exploring new properties to relocate.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who currently reside in a lavish mansion in Montecito, are contemplating a change of scenery, according to royal commentator Christine Ross.

Speculation surrounds the couple's decision to potentially move from Montecito, with sources suggesting that the current location may not be meeting their expectations.

While they have enjoyed their time in the area, Meghan and Harry are considering a shift due to feeling isolated from the city life.

The prospect of a new residence is under consideration, raising questions about the fate of their sprawling Montecito estate and where they might choose to settle next.

Since their move to Montecito in 2020 following their departure from royal duties, the couple has been residing in California with their two children, navigating the challenges of balancing privacy and public scrutiny in their high-profile lives.