Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been living in Montecito, California, since 2020, and the area has seen a massive surge in property prices

An insider has revealed that Meghan Markle appears to be “reparenting” Prince Harry following complaints from some Montecito residents who blame the pair for neighborhood disruptions.

A source who collaborated closely with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex observed that while the couple remains deeply smitten and “so hot with each other” their demeanor shifts dramatically between private and public settings.

The insider remarked, “You know how you meet those couples where you’re like, the way they’re looking at each other, I should probably not be here right now?” It comes as Meghan is ‘inconsolable’ after being savaged by her role model in a brutal attack.

According to the source, Harry displays remarkable charm and appears “very personable” and “very at ease with people” during solo encounters, possessing his late mother Princess Diana’s gift for “has this way of, like, making people feel very comfortable.”

Yet the insider noted that when the prince appears publicly alongside his spouse, “there is a circus” because he becomes “so protective of her because people are so nasty to her.”

They continued: “It’s a whole different experience.”

Meghan and Harry have been living in Montecito since 2020 (Image: Netflix)

In a 2019 statement Harry penned regarding Meghan’s media treatment, he expressed his “deepest fear” of “history repeating itself” while drawing comparisons between his wife and his deceased mother.

He declared: “I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person. I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.”

A source close to the couple revealed that while Harry remains constantly alert regarding Meghan’s security, the former Suits star serves as the primary caregiver and organizer within their household – described as “the one who makes things happen.”

In an interview with Vanity Fair, the insider disclosed: “Pre-Meghan, Harry would just pop in [to the palace press office], ask a few questions, and leave, like he was a little bored but also very keen.”

However, Harry’s approach to media interactions has transformed completely, the source disclosed, as he now consistently relies on his wife’s guidance, with her seemingly “reparenting” him in many ways.

The source elaborated: “I can picture him meeting Meghan and being just a deep breath of, like, ‘I’ve been so exhausted, and you make everything so easy.’… I don’t want to be like, oh, it’s an Oedipus thing or whatever, but it kind of feels like she’s reparenting him in a way.”

The Sussexes’ home in Montecito, California (Image: Sotheby’s International Realty)

Harry and Meghan acquired their Montecito estate in Santa Barbara County in 2020, following their announcement to withdraw from official Royal responsibilities.

They secured the mansion for $14.65 million at the time, and the property’s worth has skyrocketed dramatically over the past five years.

The estate now carries an estimated value of $29 million – approximately twice its original investment.

Numerous A-listers including Oprah, Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwyneth Paltrow reside in Montecito, which locals describe as formerly being a tranquil community known primarily for its friendly atmosphere.

However, since Harry and Meghan relocated to the area, locals have noticed a shift, with some even labeling the Sussexes as the local troublemakers, according to Vanity Fair. This comes after Harry “crossed the line” with Kate Middleton and “won’t be forgiven.”

The most common grievances include a surge in housing prices and an influx of out-of-towners who drive too fast and hog all the street parking near popular trails, like the one Meghan was spotted hiking on while Harry was in the UK for his father’s Coronation in May 2023.

A Montecito resident told VF that since the couple moved in, locals can’t just stroll into restaurants for dinner anymore due to the area’s increased popularity.

It comes after King Charles was reduced to tears after overhearing Prince William’s private conversation.