Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly acquiring a charming piece of property in Portugal, fueling speculation that this move is part of a broader plan to carve out their own royal-like image, separate from the British monarchy.
Despite stepping back from royal duties, it appears the couple is intent on maintaining a semblance of royal status, albeit from across the waters. According to royal commentator Richard Eden from The Daily Mail, the move to Portugal is seen as a strategic step to bolster their royal image. Eden speculates that this purchase could be the start of a larger plan, possibly positioning the couple as a new royal presence across Europe.
Their recent appearances in countries like Nigeria and Colombia are being likened to quasi-royal tours, suggesting that they may be seeking to extend their influence on a global scale. One key detail in this rumored relocation is the presence of other royals. Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, are said to spend considerable time in Portugal, which raises the possibility of a new royal court forming outside of the traditional boundaries of Buckingham Palace.
Meghan, who once sought British citizenship, now seems indifferent to that prospect, with talks circulating about her acquiring a "Golden Visa"—a move that would grant her nearly unrestricted access to the rest of Europe. Although Portugal's Golden Visa program may soon close, it appears Harry and Meghan are keen to secure their place before the window of opportunity shuts, allowing them to continue their endeavors across the continent.
The mastermind behind this particular venture is Mike Meldman, a real estate tycoon known for his connections to high-profile celebrities and his role as the creator of the luxury development CostaTerra, where Harry and Meghan are rumored to have bought land. Meldman has enlisted Jack Brooksbank to help market these elite properties, adding a royal connection to his already glittering network of influencers and celebrities like Tom Brady and Reese Witherspoon. Meldman, known for his colorful personal life, seems to have found ideal partners in Harry and Meghan, who are also building their brand in a glamorous, celebrity-driven lifestyle. Interestingly, it’s rumored that other stars, like Paris Hilton, have also bought into this development, further turning the area into a playground for the rich and famous.
However, the glitzy picture isn't entirely without complications. There are murmurs that some of the land in this development is situated in a protected area, making further development a challenge. This raises questions about why the Sussexes would invest in land that may not be fully usable. But considering the couple’s recent pattern, it seems less about creating a permanent home and more about generating media buzz and adding another high-profile property to their portfolio.
Speaking of buzz, Harry and Meghan's primary residence in Montecito, California, has already become synonymous with wealth and exclusivity. Montecito, a haven for the ultra-wealthy and retirees, seems like an ironic fit for Meghan, who was once viewed as Hollywood’s young, trendy figure. Now, they find themselves in what many consider an upscale retirement community. The irony is striking: while other celebrities built their fortunes before moving to such exclusive locales, Meghan seems to have skipped the "earning" phase and gone straight to enjoying the lifestyle of the ultra-wealthy.
As for their children, Archie and Lilibet, they are rarely seen in public, prompting frequent media speculation about their whereabouts. Unlike the Wales children, who are regularly spotted enjoying simple pleasures like ice cream outings, Harry and Meghan’s children remain largely hidden from public view. This has led to a growing curiosity, with many wondering whether the children are part of their parents' next major publicity move, or perhaps already settling into the family's new Portuguese retreat.
Ultimately, this rumored purchase in Portugal adds yet another chapter to the ever-evolving saga of the Sussexes. Like many of their plans, this one is full of intrigue but may or may not come to fruition. Whether this latest development becomes a cornerstone of their European ambitions or simply another temporary residence remains to be seen—but it’s certain that the world will be watching.
