Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have found themselves at the center of a media frenzy once again—this time due to a fierce protest movement in their adopted hometown of Montecito, California. The protest, organized by a group of Trump supporters, has created headlines worldwide, with demonstrators declaring that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are “fake royals” who have overstayed their welcome in the U.S.
The Trump Train Storms Montecito
The protest, dubbed the "Trump Train," saw dozens of supporters of the former U.S. President rally outside the Sussexes' luxurious home in Montecito, demanding that the couple be "exiled" from their quiet coastal enclave. While it’s not the first time the couple has faced public backlash in the U.S., this latest protest marks a dramatic shift, with political and royal critics now uniting to criticize the couple's behavior since stepping down from royal duties.
The protest, which reportedly involved a caravan of Trump supporters driving through Montecito, was filled with chants of “No more fake royals!” and “Get out, Harry and Meghan!” Some even carried signs reading “Make the Royals Great Again!” in a nod to Donald Trump’s political slogan. The group’s leader, a vocal conservative commentator, called for the couple to return to the UK, accusing them of hypocrisy and political grandstanding.
Why the Protest?
The protest follows a series of controversial actions by Meghan and Harry, including their outspoken political activism, a string of exclusive deals with major streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify, and continued criticism of the royal family. For many, their public statements about the monarchy, combined with their lavish lifestyle, have been seen as contradictory to their initial pledges of service and charity.
Additionally, Meghan and Harry's decision to continue monetizing their royal titles and image has also been a major point of contention. Critics argue that while the couple has championed causes like racial justice and mental health awareness, they have simultaneously been accused of exploiting their royal status for personal gain—something that has not sat well with many Americans, especially those in the political right-wing.
The "Fake Royals" Label
One of the most biting aspects of the protest has been the use of the term “fake royals.” While the Sussexes no longer carry out official royal duties, their titles—Duke and Duchess of Sussex—remain intact, much to the displeasure of those who feel they have abandoned their royal responsibilities. The Trump Train protesters claim that Meghan and Harry have lost all credibility as members of the royal family, accusing them of turning their titles into a commercial brand.
Some protestors argue that their decision to step back from royal duties, while maintaining their titles and perks, was a betrayal of the public trust. Meghan and Harry's perceived “Hollywood” attitude—marked by their high-profile media deals, reality shows, and interviews—has caused some to label them as opportunists, more interested in fame and fortune than their initial mission to serve others.