26 July 2023 , 09:29
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are thought to be planning a move to a new private neighbourhood, but the news seems to have angered locals.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to Montecito, California, after stepping back from the Royal Family three years ago. Sources have claimed they are now "hunting" for a new home in Hope Ranch, a private suburb in Santa Barbara.
While the couple might be hoping to be welcomed by their potential new neighbours, it seems as though that isn't on the cards.
A Hope Ranch realtor has said their office is inundated with calls from worried residents who are concerned that Meghan and Harry would "disturb the peace" in their quiet community.
They said residents fear the couple will bring their huge security team with them, despite the area promising locals seclusion.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be planning a big move (AFP via Getty Images)"The people that made the calls to me don't want change and they don’t want all the hoopla. People are not happy, that’s the word around town," the realtor, who asked to be kept anonymous, said.
Speaking to The New York Post, another realtor added: "They want them to stay in Montecito and not be drawing that kind of attention to Hope Ranch."
They also said locals are worried that Meghan and Harry would turn their community into an "extension of Montecito".
The Mirror has approached Meghan and Harry's representative for comment.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could be planning a huge move (zz/NDZ/STAR MAX/IPx)The Sussexes purchased their current mansion for $14.6million (£11.8million) in 2020.
They are currently neighbours to TV stars such as Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, with the couple attending Ellen's vow renewal at her home earlier this year.
Hope Ranch residents aren't happy (Getty Images)Meghan has said her home makes her "feel free", adding how it is "calm and healing" to live in the luxury property.
In an interview with The Cut, the 41-year-old gushed over her 18,000-square-foot home, where she lives with Harry, 38, and their children Archie, three, and Lilibet, one.
The property boasts nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, as well as a tennis court, tea house and two-bedroom guest house.