Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's millionaire neighbours in California are beginning to question the motives of the couple in the wake of their explosive Netflix documentary and excerpts from the Duke's forthcoming memoir, Spare.
Residents of Montecito - also home to Oprah Winfrey, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ellen DeGeneres - were quizzed by Sky News over their thoughts on the Sussexes' revelations that have sent shockwaves through the Royal Family, reported the Daily Star.
Extracts from the book - which is released in full on Tuesday, January 10, - have been coming thick and fast in the last few days.
READ MORE: Prince Harry claims he received 'really horrible reaction' from royals on day Queen died
In the tell-all memoir, Harry opens up on matters including 'not being able to express emotion' at his mum Princess Diana's funeral, and his opinion that brother William and dad King Charles III have shown 'absolutely no willingness to reconcile' with him.
Speaking from the US, reporter Martha Kelner said: "As the TV and book deals mount up, neighbours are beginning to question the motives behind their media offensive."
One resident, who appeared happy to learn of the drama, told her: "The story is interesting because it keeps evolving. It's he said, she said. It makes great television."
Asked whether the US 'sided' with Harry and Meghan, another responded: "My observation is that most women are on Meghan's side.
"Most men are just wondering why are they doing this?"
A former TV executive living in the area, meanwhile, told cameras: "My friends turn their nose up at it all.
"People hear they get a $100m contract with Netflix. They are making that money, it's not theirs. It's for their company and their staff.
"So I'm sure it's partly due to a lifestyle they want, and so an element of all this will be them thinking 'what can we sell'."
Ms Kelner proceeded to visit a local book shop where co-owner Mary Sheldon revealed a significant order for copies of the memoir had been placed ready for its shelves.
Adding that customers were more interested in the 'soap opera' of the episode rather than the politics, she said: "I was excited when I found out it was coming.
"I called my publisher and told him to put in an order, it's one of the books we order by the carton, people are definitely excited about reading it here."
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