NFL legend Troy Aikman has made it clear he has no intention of socializing with his famous royal neighbors in Montecito, California. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current ESPN broadcaster lives in the same upscale community as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle but maintains a deliberate distance from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Speaking to Us Weekly while promoting his EIGHT Elite Light Beer, Aikman explained his position regarding his royal neighbors. “I’m not hanging with them, that’s for sure,” he stated when asked about the possibility of befriending the couple. The 58-year-old Hall of Famer acknowledged that while he has never actually encountered Harry and Meghan in person, their presence in the community is widely known.
Aikman humorously suggested that cultural differences might explain the lack of interaction between him and the royal couple. He indicated that he doubts they share his taste in beverages, specifically referencing his light beer brand. The former quarterback has lived in Montecito since 1996, giving him nearly three decades of roots in the celebrity-filled coastal community.
The three-time Super Bowl champion’s comments align with a broader pattern of mixed reception that Harry and Meghan have received from their neighbors since moving to the area in 2020. The couple purchased their $14 million mansion after stepping back from their senior roles within the British Royal Family, seeking privacy and a new life in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
According to reports from various neighbors, the royal couple’s presence has generated both positive and negative reactions within the community. Some residents have expressed concerns about increased traffic, rising housing prices, and tourist activity that they attribute to the couple’s high-profile presence. Local residents speaking to publications have described feeling that their previously quiet town has become busier and more commercialized.
Richard Mineards, another neighbor, provided contrasting assessments of the two royals. He described Harry as consistently charming and approachable, noting that the Prince is often seen at local establishments such as organic coffee shops and cycling through the hills. Mineards praised Harry’s friendly demeanor and willingness to engage with locals, describing him as having a recognizable Windsor accent and being willing to shake hands and exchange pleasantries.
However, Mineards offered a different perspective on Meghan Markle, suggesting that she has not attempted to integrate with the local community in the same way as her husband. He indicated that Markle, who has reportedly been dubbed “the Princess of Montecito” by some neighbors, appears to be more focused on her public image and carefully manages her appearances and interactions.
The reception has not been uniformly negative, however. Actress Sharon Stone, another celebrity resident, defended the couple in 2020, emphasizing that they came to Montecito to become part of the community rather than simply benefit from it. Stone described seeing Harry and Meghan as active participants in local life, including instances of them cycling through the neighborhood and waving to residents.
Despite the mixed reactions from neighbors, Harry and Meghan have successfully formed friendships with some high-profile residents. They maintain close relationships with media mogul Oprah Winfrey and journalist Gayle King, both of whom live in the area. The couple was also previously close to comedian Ellen DeGeneres before she sold her Montecito property and relocated to England.
Aikman, who transitioned from his NFL career to broadcasting in 2001, continues to focus on his professional commitments as part of ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage alongside longtime partner Joe Buck. The former Cowboys quarterback has called six Super Bowls during his broadcasting career and remains actively involved in sports media while maintaining his long-standing residence in the exclusive California community.
The NFL legend’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among some longtime Montecito residents who have expressed varying degrees of ambivalence about their famous new neighbors. While some embrace the couple’s presence and charitable activities, others prefer to maintain the traditional quiet character of their coastal enclave without the additional attention that comes with hosting members of the British Royal Family.