Harry and Meghan’s Santa Barbara Mansion Neighbors Complain About Cannabis Farm

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's retreat from city life to their lavish 9-bedroom, 16-bathroom home in Santa Barbara, California, has hit a snag.

The royal couple's idyllic hideaway, just a short stroll from a sprawling farm, is not the serene countryside escape they envisioned for their young son, Archie.

Instead of picturesque animals, what greets them nearby is a massive cannabis farm.

A legal marijuana company operates 20 expansive greenhouses brimming with plants mere minutes away from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's residence.

In response to mounting grievances from locals about the pungent odor, the firm has pledged to implement enhanced smell control systems.

Residents in the vicinity have raised concerns over the overpowering scent emanating from the cannabis facility, with one individual sharing how the stench was so intense at times that it forced him to pull over while driving.

The factory's proximity to the Montecito estate, where Harry, Meghan, Archie, and their newborn daughter Lilibet reside, has sparked unease among the community.

Recent efforts to address the issue of the pervasive smell have been welcomed by nearby inhabitants, including Gregory Gondrod, who expressed relief at the prospect of diminished olfactory disturbances.

The legalization of cannabis cultivation in the area in 2016 led to a proliferation of growers seizing the opportunity to cultivate the plant in close proximity to residential neighborhoods.

Organizations such as the Santa Barbara Coalition of Responsible Cannabis and the Cannabis Association for Responsible Producers have committed to implementing an expanded strategy to tackle odor-related concerns.

Notably, Prince Harry, now 36, has previously acknowledged experimenting with marijuana during his youth, a revelation that resulted in a brief stint at a drug rehabilitation center arranged by his father, Prince Charles.

Meghan, aged 40, reportedly offered guests cannabis at her prior wedding in Jamaica, where the substance is lawful.

In a parallel development, Prince William and Kate are contemplating a relocation to Windsor in a bid to enhance their proximity to the Queen and participate more actively in royal decision-making processes.

The prospective move from their current base at Sandringham aligns with William assuming a more prominent role within the royal family.

Sources suggest that the couple is exploring housing alternatives in Windsor, considering the logistical challenges posed by their existing arrangement splitting time between Kensington Palace in London and Anmer Hall in Norfolk.

Anmer Hall, a gift from Queen Elizabeth II to the Cambridges upon their marriage, served as a sanctuary for the family during William's tenure as a helicopter pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

However, with their children George, Charlotte, and Louis attending schools in London, the distance to Anmer Hall on weekends has become impractical.

The allure of Windsor lies in its strategic advantages, positioning the Cambridges closer to the Queen, who now resides primarily at Windsor following the passing of Prince Philip.

William's close bond with his grandmother and the prospect of engaging in more frequent discussions on royal matters underscore the appeal of relocating to Windsor.

The impending move to Windsor holds additional significance for Kate's family, who are situated in close proximity in Bucklebury.

The prospect of being near relatives, alongside the convenience of residing closer to the monarch and participating in royal affairs, presents a compelling case for the Cambridges' potential relocation.

As the Queen transitions towards spending more time at Windsor and less at Buckingham Palace, the Cambridges' move would not only align with the evolving dynamics within the royal family but also signify a gesture of support and companionship towards the reigning monarch.