As the turmoil surrounding the British royal family continues to unfold, it appears Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have set their sights on a new destination: Portugal. Recent reports suggest that the high-profile couple has acquired a vacation home in the picturesque coastal region of Melides, conveniently close to the residence of Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie.
Seeking Solace Overseas
The decision to establish a foothold in Portugal comes on the heels of a tumultuous period for the Sussexes. Earlier this year, King Charles III made the controversial move to evict the couple from their U.K. home, Frogmore Cottage, shortly after the release of Harry’s tell-all memoir, “Spare.” This bold move, according to royal experts, has effectively cut off the pair from their remaining connections within the royal family.
“No one wants to run afoul of the King.”
Christopher Andersen, the author of “The King,” explained to Fox News Digital that the Sussexes’ dwindling support within the royal circles is due to their fear of incurring the wrath of King Charles and Prince William. “The number of people inside the royal family who are willing to proclaim their friendship for Harry and Meghan has dwindled to practically nothing,” Andersen noted. “No one wants to run afoul of the king and Prince William—it’s that simple.”
A Familial Lifeline in Portugal
However, the Sussexes may have found a lifeline in the form of their close relationship with Princess Eugenie, who resides in Portugal with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and their two young children. Royal insiders speculate that the Sussexes’ reported purchase of a property in the exclusive CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club development stems from their desire to be closer to their royal cousin and her family.
“The Only Royal Friendship They Will Have”
As one source told The Daily Mail, “Harry must know his children are not going to grow up as friends of William’s children, George, Charlotte, and Louis. A bond for Lilibet and Archie with Eugenie’s kids will be the only royal friendship they will ever have.” This sentiment underscores the importance of maintaining a strong familial connection, even as the rift within the royal family continues to widen.
A “Golden Visa” and Global Mobility
But the benefits of a Portuguese residence extend beyond mere proximity to their royal cousin. As noted by royal experts, the country’s “Golden Visa” program, which grants visa-free access to the European Union’s Schengen area, could also be a significant draw for the Sussexes. This would provide Meghan, an American, with an additional passport and the freedom to travel more easily throughout Europe—a luxury not afforded to her as a British citizen.
Locals Cry Foul
However, the Sussexes’ reported real estate move has not been without controversy. Residents of the small town of Melides have voiced their discontent over the development of the exclusive CostaTerra compound, which they claim has restricted public access to the once-cherished beaches. Local Bradley McGuiness described the situation as “typical greed,” lamenting the loss of a beloved public space.
A Promising Foothold in Europe
Despite the backlash from the local community, the Sussexes’ reported acquisition of a Portuguese vacation home may signal a shift in their strategy. As royal expert Ian Pelham Turner pointed out, the proximity to the U.K. and the opportunity to visit King Charles, who is still recovering from cancer, could be a promising step toward mending their strained relationship with the royal family.
Navigating the Royal Divide
As the Sussexes continue to navigate the complex and often tumultuous waters of their royal standing, their reported move to Portugal may represent a calculated effort to maintain a foothold in Europe while also preserving the possibility of reconciliation with their estranged family members. Time will tell whether this new chapter in their lives will bring them the respite and restoration they seek.
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