Cotswolds residents have given a mixed reaction to speculation that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could spend more time living in the area, with some branding the couple a "disgrace" while others insist they have every right to settle wherever they choose.
The Daily Express visited Moreton-in-Marsh to speak to residents about the prospect of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returning to the Cotswolds. The picturesque region has become a magnet for celebrities seeking a quieter life away from London, with stars including the Beckhams and other high-profile names having links to the area.
Blunt verdicts from locals
One woman told the Express she believed the couple "should be banned" from the Cotswolds, criticising them over their public comments about the Royal Family.
She said: "I think they spoiled everything for themselves with all the stuff about the Royal Family, didn't they? The things they were saying about William and Charles and everything. I don't think they've treated the family well. They're a disgrace. It's so sad."
She went on to say she felt particularly strongly about Meghan.
"I think Meghan is an awful, dreadful woman. It's dreadful, because they like their privacy, don't they? But then at the same time they're two-faced about that," she said.
The woman added that she felt sorry for Harry personally, claiming Meghan had too much influence over him.
"I feel sorry for him personally and I totally dislike her. She's wearing the trousers and she's got him wrapped around her little finger. I think you'd be better off without her," she said.
Indifferent and critical voices
However, another resident took a more indifferent view of the possibility of the Sussexes moving to the area.
"I'm indifferent to the move into the Cotswolds. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of Prince Harry, to be honest," he said.
Asked why he was critical of the Duke, he replied: "I think if you have family issues, you keep them to yourself, frankly. You don't need to air them in public."
He also questioned whether Harry and Meghan would actually fit into the local community.
"I don't think they would settle into the Cotswolds one bit. I think they're an entirely different genre," he said.
Asked whether he expected a backlash if they moved to the area, he replied: "Absolutely. Yeah, absolutely."
Another resident suggested that Harry had damaged his relationship with the British public by repeatedly speaking publicly about his family.
"It is a shame what's happened to them. I think Harry is his own worst enemy sometimes, having said publicly that he wouldn't be coming back here and that he's going to stay in America," the resident said.
He added: "I think people are a little bit miffed. No, I think he's well and truly burnt his bridges."
Another local went further, suggesting the Duke was only considering a return to Britain for financial reasons.
"He's only coming back for money. He's coming back because he can't make a living in America. Skint," he said.
Supportive and relaxed reactions
But there was also a more relaxed attitude among some people living in the area.
One resident said: "As long as they don't come and live near me, that's fine. I mean, it's up to them what they do, really, isn't it?"
The resident acknowledged, however, that a move could create unwanted attention for people already living in the area.
"I think we're all very interested and I think it's just going to make probably locals really – I'm not local – but they're probably not going to want the extra hassle of having them around and the press and whatever else might come with it," they said.
The prospect of the couple moving to the Cotswolds was not a concern for another resident, who said they should simply be allowed to live where they wanted.
"People are entitled to live wherever they want to live and I don't think it would make a difference at all really," they said.
Another person suggested that the couple's arrival could potentially have an impact on the area, although not necessarily a negative one.
"It would be the same as Clarkson's Farm. Maybe it would bring in a lot of traffic, but it depends if people are fussed," they said.
One resident also defended Meghan against what they described as unfair coverage.
"I think she gets a lot of really bad unnecessary press," they said.
They pointed out that the Sussexes had previously rented in the Cotswolds and said the area was understandably attractive to wealthy and famous residents.
"There are quite a number of celebrities living in the Cotswolds. We're incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world. There's a great deal going for it, so it's no surprise that people wish to settle and live here," they said.
The Cotswolds has become increasingly associated with celebrity life, with the area attracting high-profile figures looking for privacy while remaining within reach of London.
One resident suggested Harry and Meghan could potentially settle near Soho Farmhouse, on the other side of Chipping Norton, where several celebrities have links to the area.
"Fair play to them. They can do what they like," the resident said.
For now, however, there is no confirmed announcement that Harry and Meghan are moving permanently to the Cotswolds.
But the Express's conversations with residents revealed a clear split – from those who believe the couple have "burnt their bridges" with Britain to those who say they should be free to choose where they call home.
