{
  "id": 2326172,
  "title": "We’ll never be royals: the California town where Prince Harry and Meghan lived says goodbye",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/well-never-be-royals-the-california-town-where-prince-harry-and",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T07:00:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Guardian US",
    "slug": "the-guardian-us",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/21/california-montecito-prince-harry-meghan"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Six years ago, the quiet coastal California town of Montecito became the center of worldwide attention as the backdrop for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's new chapter following their controversial departure from Buckingham Palace. The affluent enclave near Santa Barbara is no stranger to celebrity residents, including Oprah, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Ellen DeGeneres. However, Prince Harry and Meghan were undoubtedly the most prominent figures to call Montecito home. Their purchase of a $14.7 million estate in the area drew the attention of news helicopters and photographers, causing frustration among some neighbors. Despite the initial media frenzy, the Sussexes managed to maintain a low profile, seamlessly integrating into everyday life among Montecito residents, as reported by the Guardian. As the couple prepares to return to the United Kingdom, Montecito's reputation as a sanctuary for the rich and famous may soon be in jeopardy. While neighboring Santa Barbara tourism officials welcomed the couple's decision to embrace their \"royal\" status, some locals had mixed feelings about their return. Some residents expressed a desire to see Harry and Meghan reconcile with their family, while others lamented the loss of a \"cute small town\" that had long been known for its accessible charm. Regardless of personal opinions, the Sussexes' eventual departure from Montecito remains uncertain, with reports suggesting they may retain ownership of their property in the town.",
  "summary": "As the couple plans their return to the UK, Montecito’s whirlwind stint on the global stage may be coming to an end The bucolic coastal California town of Montecito was thrust into the limelight six years ago as the backdrop for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s second act following an acrimonious split from Buckingham Palace. But as the couple plans their return to the United Kingdom, Montecito’s…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "As Harry plans UK return, can he patch up royal rift with Prince William?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/as-harry-plans-uk-return-can-he-patch-up-royal-rift-with-prince",
        "published": "2026-08-21T06:53:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}