Meghan Markle dubbed ‘Princess of Montecito’ by California neighbors
The Duchess of Sussex has a new nickname.
Meghan Markle’s neighbors in California reportedly dubbed her the “Princess of Montecito” due to her antics in the ritzy area.
“If she’s going into Beverly Hills or West Hollywood for lunch or dinner, she’ll generally call ahead and request a table that is completely secluded,” a source claimed to the UK’s Closer magazine Tuesday.
The report said Markle’s favorite eateries are not well-known and include sushi joints downtown and authentic Mexican cuisine in her native Los Angeles.
“But, generally speaking, these days she likes higher-end hangouts like Cecconi’s, Sunset Tower, Sugarfish or Lucky’s steakhouse in Montecito, which was recommended to [Markle and Prince Harry] by Oprah [Winfrey]. It’s become their favorite, and they’re waited on hand and foot,” the source alleged.
These days, Markle, 40, and Harry, 37, spend most of their time in Montecito, where they moved after resigning as senior royals in early 2020, but the report said the “Suits” alum heads to LA “every week or so.”
Some of her favorite activities include hiking with her dogs, Pula and Guy.
“Meghan loves driving around LA to go to the same hiking trails that she used to visit back in the day, well off the beaten track,” the source claimed. “Often she’ll head off just herself and the dogs, which gives her time to reflect.”
The Sussexes have built new friendships since moving to Montecito, where A-listers including Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Serena Williams also live.
“She spends a fair amount of time at Oprah’s palatial house, where they’ll kick back with her closest friend, Gayle King, and talk about everything from Meghan’s future plans to what’s going on back in the UK and how Harry’s coping with everything,” the source alleged.
Markle and Harry were spotted driving to Winfrey’s estate last month, one year after their bombshell interview with the former talk show host.
But much of the pair’s time is spent behind closed doors with their two children: son Archie, 3, and daughter Lilibet, 1.
“[Harry is] up at the crack of dawn getting the kids fed, washed and dressed. Meghan’s often very busy on business Zoom calls, or nipping into LA for meetings, which Harry often chauffeurs her to. Then he’s back to the kids as soon as possible because he doesn’t like leaving them with nannies,” the source told Closer.
“With all this speculation around her political career ambitions, everyone thinks Harry would be happy at the idea of being first gentleman if she accomplishes her long-term goal,” the source added. “Having said that, he might be fine with it right now — but you have to wonder for how much longer.”
