The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, have reportedly found a potential new residence in Portugal.
However, contrary to the swirling rumors of a lavish palace, it appears that what they are actually considering is merely a plot of land tied to the unfinished Costa Tera Golf and Ocean Club, a prospective luxury resort situated south of Lisbon. This development has yet to materialize, raising questions about the validity of their rumored acquisition.
Interestingly, they are not the first members of the royal family to show interest in this picturesque part of Portugal. Harry's cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, are said to have their own piece of paradise in the area. Unlike the Sussexes, however, Eugenie and Jack have been transparent about their intentions—they are merely awaiting the completion of their home. In stark contrast, Harry and Meghan seem to be investing in a location that hasn't even begun construction.
Let’s unpack the peculiarities surrounding this rumored purchase. The Costa Tera development is still in the early stages, with plans for around 300 properties. Prices for these future homes start at a staggering four million euros. Instead of a dazzling villa by the sea, Harry and Meghan's so-called new residence resembles more of a speculative piece of Portuguese real estate than a completed dream home. With the entire project projected to be finished in the coming years, it raises the question: why would they invest in a property that doesn’t yet exist?
Speculation suggests that this move could be a favor to Jack Brooksbank, who may be involved in trying to market these homes amid a cooling real estate market in Portugal. While some are heralding Portugal as the next big destination, others argue that the luxury housing market there is faltering. Perhaps Jack hopes that the Sussexes’ royal status can lend some allure to this venture, revitalizing interest in these developments.
If Harry and Meghan ever do set foot on their Portuguese property, they might find themselves waiting a long time to build a home, given the notoriously slow pace of construction. As some have suggested, Meghan could be using this rumor to maintain her presence in the media. After all, the image of the Duchess establishing roots in Europe is enticing, particularly if California loses its appeal.
Yet, this purported purchase raises more questions than it answers. The Discovery Land Company, which is behind the Costa Tera project, is a legitimate organization, but they have other properties under development that have taken years to complete. If this project follows suit, Harry and Meghan might find themselves waiting until Meghan reaches her 50s before they can finally settle down.
At present, all that exists is a vacant piece of land surrounded by speculation—much like the Sussexes’ other ventures, which often generate a lot of buzz but yield little in terms of tangible results. The allure of owning a secluded celebrity retreat is generally tied to the promise of privacy. However, it seems that Harry and Meghan are more focused on staying relevant than embracing a life off the grid. This isn't the first time they have been seen at such developments; they were previously spotted in Costa Rica, at another property that remains in limbo, much like this one.
By the time the Costa Tera development finally opens its doors, it’s likely that the Sussexes will have moved on to their next rumored real estate endeavor, continuing their global search for elusive homes. So while Harry and Meghan may enjoy keeping the public in suspense, this narrative appears less like a royal escapade and more like a carefully crafted public relations maneuver.
