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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.”
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