Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Warns Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: Cotswolds Locals Can “Sniff B******t”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be preparing for a new chapter in the UK, but if their reported move to the Cotswolds goes ahead, one of the area’s best-known residents has a clear message for them: fitting in will depend on being genuine.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are widely rumoured to be considering a move to the Cotswolds, a popular retreat for celebrities and high-profile figures. Among those with homes in the area are Jeremy Clarkson, Beyoncé and the Beckhams.

Interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who lives in the Cotswolds with his family, has now shared his thoughts on the couple potentially becoming his neighbours.

Harry and Meghan return to the UK

The speculation comes after Harry and Meghan, along with their children Archie and Lilibet, returned to the UK from California.

The family flew by private plane and landed at Birmingham Airport shortly before midday on Wednesday. Their return marks a significant change after six years living in the United States, following Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their senior royal duties in 2020.

Birmingham Airport is also the closest major airport to the Cotswolds, something Laurence believes adds to the speculation about where the family could be heading.

While their exact plans have not been confirmed, the possibility of a Cotswolds base has attracted considerable attention.

Two very different sides of the Cotswolds

According to Laurence, the Cotswolds has something of a divide between its more glamorous, celebrity-heavy areas and the quieter part where he lives.

He described the two sides as the “Schmancy” side and the more relaxed community where he and his family live.

That distinction, he suggested, could be particularly important for Meghan.

Speaking exclusively to us, Laurence said: “It is going to be interesting to see how the Duchess fits in because, unlike the other side of the Cotswolds, we’re much less impressed by celebrity, which is why actually a lot of celebrities who are kind of like very good at being themselves are drawn to our side.”

He pointed to Prince Harry’s aunt, Princess Anne, as an example of a royal who is familiar with the area without attracting much fuss from local residents.

“You know, they like the fact that actually it’s a lot more straightforward,” he said.

Laurence’s advice for Meghan

Laurence believes Harry could find it easier to settle into the community because of his existing connections to the region. Meghan, however, may face a different reception.

His advice is simple: authenticity will matter.

“I think she’s going to need to be very genuine,” he said. “I think that’s the big moment here, is that the Cotswold folk can really sniff b******t, you know, they can really sniff when people aren’t being who they are.”

His comments come amid reports that some local residents are unhappy about the possibility of the Sussexes moving into the area.

Laurence also cautioned Meghan about the reaction she could receive from local mothers, particularly if she is regularly seen at the school gates.

“So I think the Duchess is going to need to not be too much about the airs and graces if she’s going to be picking the kids up from the school gates,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to take them [other Cotswold mums] on, I wouldn’t want to p**s them off, I can tell you now.”

No celebrity safety net

Laurence also highlighted the contrast between life in the Cotswolds and the couple’s home in Montecito, California.

In California, Harry and Meghan have moved within a social circle that includes major celebrity figures such as Oprah Winfrey. Laurence suggested that the same kind of celebrity environment would not necessarily exist in the part of the Cotswolds where he lives.

“Unlike in Montecito, they don’t have the celebrity safety net, [like they did with the likes of] Oprah Winfrey,” he said.

For Laurence, the difference is largely about the attitude of the local community. Celebrity status alone, he suggested, is unlikely to win people over.

A warm welcome from one neighbour

Despite his warnings, Laurence said he would personally be happy to welcome Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet if they do settle nearby.

He even offered to help the couple with their home interiors.

“We will welcome them with open arms into the Llewelyn Bowen Pattern Emporium if they need some help with some curtains or cushions or whatever,” he said.

There was, however, one final caveat.

“But I’m not entirely sure we’re ever going to be Meghan’s cup of tea,” Laurence added.