Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly purchased a stunning vacation home to maintain a European foothold.
According to a recent report by the Daily Mail, the Sussexes secured a property in Portugal just days after King Charles asked them to vacate Frogmore Cottage, which they were gifted at the time of their royal wedding.
This decision followed their exit from the UK in 2020 after they decided to step down from their royal duties and start fresh in California, US.
On October 16, a UK-based outlet revealed that Harry and Meghan, who currently reside in their Montecito mansion in California, have joined the list of royals, including Harry's cousin Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, in owning a Portuguese property. This purchase allows the couple to maintain a presence in Europe, with the added benefit of visa-free access to the Schengen area, made possible by Portugal's "Golden Visa" program.
The strategic purchase by the Sussexes
Earlier reports surfaced how the couple was evicted from their cottage at Windsor by King Charles, they were left without a home in this country. Markle who got engaged to Prince Harry in 2017, planned to apply for British citizenship. Kensington Palace had confirmed that she would go through the standard process for becoming a UK citizen, which typically takes several years.
According to reports after Harry and Meghan decided to step back from their royal duties and moved to the U.S. two years after their wedding, Meghan abandoned her bid to become a British citizen. Since they left the UK less than two years after their wedding, Meghan never completed the process of gaining citizenship. Now, after giving up their official British residence, it seems the couple was looking to establish a home in Europe, possibly using Portugal’s "Golden Visa" program.
Harry’s cousin owns a luxurious property in the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, situated by the sea in Melides, south of Lisbon, according to the outlet. Jack, who works in marketing and sales for the development, splits his time between Portugal and London with Eugenie and their two children, August and Ernest.
King Charles sends 'hidden message' to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as Kate ditches ‘Royal family mediator’ role
King Charles III may have sent a “hidden message” about leaving the door open for his youngest son Prince Harry and his spouse Meghan Markle's possible return to royal duties, according to an analyst.
The relationship between the Royal couple and the monarch soured following their departure from The Firm in 2020.
After shifting to the US with his family, Prince Harry made several explosive revelations in his memoir, Spare. Their relationship with the Royal family deteriorated further with the release of the Netflix documentary.
An insider close to the king, however, said last year that situation might be improving as Charles made an effort to help his troubled brother, Prince Andrew.
The 75-year-old King however continued to welcome his brother to important family events to show the world a united front.
Commentator Tom Sykes, while appearing on his podcast The Daily Beast, stated: “A family friend of the King's [has said] that it was clear there had been a willingness to bring Andrew in from the cold, and, intriguingly, hinted that it could be a template for future reconciliation with his son.”
“But ultimately, he has the interests of the monarchy at heart, and that means a united family, whatever its problems. Hopefully that message is getting through to Harry and Meghan,” he added.
