Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to Britain has already drawn criticism from residents in the affluent area where they plan to settle. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have chosen the Cotswolds as a UK alternative to Montecito, known for its celebrity residents and refined tastes. However, locals in one of Britain's most idyllic regions have not welcomed the couple with open arms.
Local reactions
Pensioner Zana Aires told the Express that the couple were a "disgrace" and "should be banned" from the National Landscape shortly after they arrived in the UK on Wednesday. Others denounced them as "two-faced" and accused them of "wanting publicity".
There are also concerns that heightened attention on the already-popular area could spark tourism chaos, especially if Harry and Meghan continue courting the spotlight despite their status as private individuals.
Wider criticism
The criticism was not limited to Cotswolds natives. Pam Nield, 74, a retired John Lewis worker from Macclesfield visiting on holiday, described them as an "embarrassment". "How can [the Firm] trust them? I don't agree with it," she said. "I quite like the Royal Family, but he disgraced himself and she did as well."
The duke and duchess have yet to comment on the reasons for the move, which came as a shock six years after they acrimoniously split with the Royal Family and moved abroad. If Meghan's reported plans to return to acting and continue running her lifestyle brand from Britain are any indication, their PR machine is likely to continue as usual.
Public opinion
Polling shows just 21% of the British public thought the couple should return from the States. Their departure from the constraints of the monarchy has not worked out as planned, and it remains to be seen if they can win back their popular reputation, both from Harry's estranged family members and the public at large.
