Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made a significant move by acquiring a new property in Europe.
Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to California in 2020, they have maintained a considerable distance from their former life on the Old Continent. Their visits to London have been limited to brief stays for both professional and personal reasons.
However, circumstances seem to have changed, as the couple has now purchased a vacation property in Portugal, at least on the same continent.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s New Home in Portugal
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Harry and Meghan decided to establish their European base in this country after enjoying a romantic three-night getaway in Melides, a charming village on the coast of Comporta.
The choice of Portugal as their European destination comes at a time when they are not the only members of the British royal family with ties to the region.
Princess Eugenie, a cousin of Prince Harry, also owns a residence at the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club in Melides, where she frequently visits with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and their two children.
The relationship between the Sussexes and Princess Eugenie is cordial; they have been seen together on multiple occasions, and Eugenie and her husband have crossed the Atlantic to visit the couple in the United States.
While specific details about Harry and Meghan’s new property are lacking, the decision to acquire it could be related to an aspiration of Meghan’s that she was unable to fulfill during her time in London.
In 2017, when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their engagement, Kensington Palace had expressed Markle’s desire to obtain British citizenship.
However, following their controversial move, that goal faded. Four years later, their new acquisition in Portugal could allow her to access the Gold Visa, facilitating her entry into the Schengen Area of the European Union.
Currently, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reside in the exclusive Montecito neighborhood of Los Angeles, where they purchased a mansion in 2020 for approximately $14 million.
This impressive property boasts two floors and a basement, featuring numerous amenities including a yoga studio, a cinema, nine bedrooms, and sixteen bathrooms.
In contrast, the new home in Portugal is a more modest residence, designed for short stays. With this purchase, Harry and Meghan seem to be attempting to balance their new life in America with their European roots, thus reaffirming their connection to the British royal family and the continent they once called home.