Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new neighbours in an affluent corner of the UK have hit out at the couple, suggesting they should have "stayed in America" and "kept their mouths shut". The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved back from the US with their two children in late August, and are thought to have settled in the Cotswolds.
The Sussexes' first few weeks on British soil have been eventful, including a public spat with Buckingham Palace, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet being pulled out of school over security concerns and the furore surrounding Earl Spencer's memoir on his sister, Princess Diana.
Residents voice frustration
Residents in the picturesque town of Burford, nicknamed the "gateway" to the Cotswolds and just a few miles from a pub Meghan was spotted at over the weekend, haven't warmed to the family over the last month.
Elaine Hunt, 81, who lives just outside Burford, told the Express: "I don't really care about them. I think Harry was nasty to his dad. He shouldn't have exposed everything he did in his book and the interviews." Her husband Terry, also 81, said: "They've come back trying to build bridges - well, maybe they'll be able to do that, but it hasn't gone well so far."
Keith Matthews, 86, said the couple had "burned their bridges" when they moved to America after stepping down as senior royals in 2020. He added: "I don't think they should get their security back, not after all this drama. They should have stayed in America."
Criticism over public profile
Charlotte Watts, 43, who also lives in the UK beauty spot, added: "There are so many celebrities living around here. People who actually do things and are more well-known than Meghan and Harry. But they keep a low profile and don't draw attention to themselves. It seems like Meghan and Harry create their own story. The classier thing would be to keep their mouths shut."
Colin Baxter, 83, who lives in Wales but stays in Burford three or four times a year, said he is "fed up" of hearing about the Sussexes. "It's a shame they went over to the States," he said. "I think if they had stayed in Britain, they would have been far more accepted. It's going to be tricky for them to fit in now."
Another Cotswolds local who gave her name only as Elizabeth said she is "a royalist but not a fan of Harry and Meghan". "Everyone was quite hopeful when they first got together, but they've just ruined it since," she said. "Just dishing all the dirt on their family. I think it's really unnecessary."
Mixed reactions to arrival
Yolanda Harris, 43, alighted on a silver lining of the couple putting down roots in the Cotswolds, however - that it might cause house prices to rise. "It probably means more attention on the area, but we're selling and we've just had someone pull out from buying ours," she said. "So I could live with that!"
The Sussexes stepped down as working royals six years ago, but rumours remain rife as to why they unexpectedly relocated to the UK from California, where they had created a life away from the institution of the monarchy. In the run-up to their return, King Charles said he would be glad to spend more time with the family, but was adamant they would not be working royals, and that there was no half-in, half-out option.
Within two weeks of Harry and Meghan's arrival, there was pushback from their camp after a letter authorised by the King reiterated that the couple were "private citizens". They were said to be "surprised" by the announcement, reportedly preferring the term "public figures" as they wait to hear whether they will be given taxpayer-funded security.
