Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new UK neighbours have slammed them as "awful" and said they "should be banned" just hours after their return from the US. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex flew into the country on a private plane from California shortly before midday on Wednesday, landing at Birmingham Airport.
Family's extended UK stay sparks fury
The family is preparing to settle in Britain for an "extended period" of time, with the Cotswolds suggested as the most likely destination for their new home. But their soon-to-be neighbours in one of the UK's most picturesque regions are "furious" at the prospect, according to Daily Expresso host JJ Anisiobi.
Commentator Carole Malone also suggested locals will "not want them there" because they are likely to attract "swarms" of visitors. "Their neighbours in Montecito are glad to see the back of them because they bring unwanted attention to the area," she said. "So Montecito [is] hanging out the flags today and people in the Cotswolds are like 'woah!'"
Residents' verdicts on the couple
Residents in the southern England beauty spot were cutting in their verdict on Harry and Meghan starting a new life nearby. One elderly woman told the Express: "They should be banned ... They're a disgrace. I think Meghan is awful. Dreadful woman."
A shop worker in his 60s suggested Harry had "burned his bridges" while another passerby accused the duke and duchess of returning just to stir up publicity. Others said the couple had "spoiled everything for themselves" and should "make their minds up".
Locals also expressed fears of a spike in tourist footfall linked to the highly-publicised return, potentially bringing chaos to a "quiet and peaceful" area.
School enrolment and future plans
Harry and Meghan enrolled Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, in British schools, ready to start in September, ahead of the move. Conflicting accounts suggest the family could only remain for the autumn or put down roots for the next 12 to 15 years to give Archie and Lilibet a British education.
The couple, who will remain as non-working royals, quit the monarchy six years ago amid the Megxit crisis. After relocating to the US, they criticised members of the Royal Family and the institution on a number of platforms, including Harry's memoir Spare and an interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The duke described his move to Los Angeles in 2020 as a "freedom flight" in footage showed in his self-titled Netflix series. The Sussexes have not spoken publicly about their dramatic U-turn since it was revealed last week, and a number of questions remain unanswered, including whether taxpayers will foot the bill for their security.
