Royal experts say the reported move the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to make after purchasing a new home in a different country is due to both their personal experience in the U.S. and other strategic reasons.
Media outlets have reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be bidding farewell to the U.S. in search of a new life in Portugal. Since hearing about the possibility, including possible reasons behind the decision, netizens have weighed in on the couple’s move, with some dubbing it an “odd choice.”
User comment about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s reported relocation, posted on November 1, 2024 | Source: X/@Jordan370462593
The duo is said to have invested in a new property at CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, which is a luxurious development about 81 miles south of Lisbon.
Their reported purchase — a significant investment said to be valued at over $4.7 million — would provide them with one of the exclusive 300 soon-to-be-completed residences in the 722-acre coastal enclave.
According to King Charles III’s former personal butler Grant Harrold, Meghan and Prince Harry’s move may hint at an eventual return to their European roots.
“But maybe living in the States wasn’t what they thought it would be, and that could be why they’re now supposedly edging their way back in the direction of the UK,” divulged Grant.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on stage during Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival in New York City on October 10, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Further suggesting that their choice of Portugal may be driven by both professional and personal motivations, Grant also highlighted how such a move could reflect a reconciliation attempt with the royal family.
King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Meghan Markle speaking during the Prince of Wales’s 70th Birthday Garden Party in London, England on May 22, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
While their exact reasons for choosing Portugal are not entirely clear, Grant pointed out several possible attractions for the couple.
Portugal offers a Mediterranean-like climate similar to that of Montecito, California, where Prince Harry and Meghan currently reside, which could help foster a smooth transition to a new home abroad.
Additionally, Grant explained, “It’s not unusual for royals to set up overseas.” An example of one royal to do so was the late Princess Margaret, who would often spend time in Mauritius. By relocating to Portugal, Prince Harry and Meghan may, in a sense, be following in the footsteps of other royals.
Princess Margaret greeting officials during her East African Tour in Port Louis, Mauritius in 1956. | Source: Getty Images
However, the couple will face certain logistical challenges, including the matter of European Union citizenship, which they would need to secure to allow for easier travel across the continent.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on October 28, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Furthermore, a potential relocation raises questions about how the pair will manage their business affairs from across the Atlantic.
Meghan, in particular, is preparing to launch her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, though the timeline remains unclear due to an ongoing trademark issue.
Meghan Markle at the CHLA Gala in Los Angeles, California on October 5, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Despite these challenges, Grant believes the move won’t significantly disrupt their professional lives or celebrity circle, asserting, “The friendships they have I’m sure they will keep, as it is for anyone who moves abroad, friends will come and visit.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry with their friends, Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier, at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge benefitting Sentebale in Wellington, Florida on April 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Public reactions to the news of Meghan and Prince Harry’s reported plans have ranged from intrigue to skepticism, with some voicing concerns and others embracing the decision.
Many raised doubts about the couple’s choice, wondering how their lifestyle would adapt to a location known more as a luxurious holiday escape than a permanent residence.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spotted out in New York City on September 23, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
“For two people who need connections, it seems like an odd choice […] Just out of curiosity, where will their security live. So many questions… This just feels off and I don’t think it was an ex staffer that said this. I think m is going to start planting stories herself and claim it’s an ex staffer [sic],” remarked a user on Reddit.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. | Source: Getty Images
Building on the sentiment, another penned, “And the schools n gyms, soccer fields n gas stations? There’s not much acreage for 300 homes [sic].”
Others agreed that the couple may be setting themselves up for the same issues they faced in the U.S., with one remarking, “Portugal isn’t going to be what they thought it’d be either since they are the problem and will never change.”
Someone else reiterated the comment, but referenced a different reason, “cause it’s not the paparazzi epicentre of the world [sic].” “So the kids will go to a Portuguese school or will it be a holiday home?” pondered another netizen.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with their son, Prince Archie, during their meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and his daughter, Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe, in Cape Town, South Africa on September 25, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
A spectator who focused on a different aspect of the move opined, “Cheaper and closer to UK [sic].” Others were more dismissive, expressing disinterest or indifference, with one person asserting, “Did they? I wasn’t looking.” “That’s a shame,” added an observer.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spotted at Dublin airport in Dublin, Ireland on July 10, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, some commenters found the idea appealing. “Portugal is beautiful for any family, great choice!!” gushed an enthusiast, while another simply cheered, “Awesome!”
Nestled within the scenic region of Alentejo, their new property places them in an exclusive coastal area renowned for its high-end amenities, exquisite beaches, and refined dining spots.
The reported move to Portugal reveals not only a geographical shift for Prince Harry and Meghan but also hints at a deeper connection with close family members who hold a unique place in their lives.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during their visit to Columbia in Bogota, Columbia on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
This Portuguese paradise is also home to Prince Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank, and their young children. Princess Eugenie and Jack have reportedly become a valuable source of comfort and camaraderie for the Sussexes as they navigate life outside the Royal Family.
Prince Harry interacting with Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, at the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in London, England on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s bond with Princess Eugenie and Jack stretches beyond mere family ties, as it has grown into a supportive relationship that also spans professional realms.
Prince Harry, Princess Eugenie, and Jack Brooksbank. | Source: Getty Images
According to reports, Jack’s professional role in marketing and sales at CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club may have helped facilitate Prince Harry and Meghan’s property acquisition.
Prince Harry and Jack Brooksbank. | Source: Getty Images
The soon-to-be Portugal residents were first seen in the Alentejo area following Prince Harry’s Invictus Games in September of 2023 — a visit that may have been more than just a casual getaway and perhaps part of the groundwork for this substantial move.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at Delia Zapata Art Center in Bogota, Columbia on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Royal expert Christopher Andersen, who spoke about Prince Harry and Meghan’s relocation plans, also noted the couple’s connection to Princess Eugenie and Jack.
Christopher, who authored “The King: The Life of Charles III,” spoke to Us Weekly about how Princess Eugenie’s husband “works for this community,” which he described as “a very posh area” within Portugal.
Jack Brooksbank and Princess Eugenie at The Anti Slavery Collective’s inaugural Winter Gala in London, England on November 29, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Regarding the possibility that the couple’s connection to Jack may have played an influential role in their decision, Christopher pointed out, “It makes sense that they would, perhaps, take advantage of that and buy a home there.”
Princess Eugenie, Jack Brooksbank, and Prince Harry. | Source: Getty Images
However, he also suggested that the purchase might come with additional strategic advantages beyond proximity to family.
By owning property in Portugal, Meghan, who Christopher mentioned has never had a British passport, could qualify for the coveted Golden Passport, which offers access to unrestricted travel throughout Europe’s Schengen Area.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the One Year To Go – Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 event in Düsseldorf, Germany on September 6, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
“It can actually essentially be purchased through investment in Portuguese real estate,” explained Christopher. For both Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, obtaining a Golden Passport could open up a new realm of possibilities.
