Reports have emerged that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have invested in a luxurious property on the sunny coast of Portugal.
While one might expect that such a lavish acquisition would endear them to the locals, the reality appears quite different. According to reports, the couple shelled out an impressive £6.5 million for a property in Melides, Portugal. This isn't just any vacation home; it’s potentially a pathway to securing a "Golden Visa," granting them easier travel throughout the Schengen Zone.
Royal commentator Angela Levin shared her insights, suggesting that the purchase could be linked to the bombshell revelations from Harry's memoir Spare—a book that some consider the royal equivalent of a tabloid exposé. Levin’s theory implies that Harry may be looking for a European refuge to escape the backlash from his own tell-all revelations.
The backstory of this new venture began during a romantic getaway last fall. According to a local real estate agent, Melides has increasingly attracted A-list celebrities from the United States, with properties in the area ranging from four to a staggering twenty million euros. Although local residents have noticed a rise in high-profile buyers, the sentiment remains that Harry and Meghan are just another couple among wealthier and more prominent buyers. One real estate agent even humorously noted that if someone like Jeff Bezos were to invest in the area, it would undoubtedly cause a sensation, while Harry and Meghan’s presence fails to make the same impact.
However, it’s not just the locals in Portugal who are less than thrilled. Even back in Montecito, California, the Sussexes have reportedly faced a lukewarm reception from their neighbors, who have described them as aloof and unwelcoming. Despite living among Hollywood’s elite, it seems the couple has struggled to win over their Californian community.
While Harry and Meghan might be dreaming of endless European vacations and sun-drenched days in Portugal, they face a considerable challenge if they intend to secure Portuguese citizenship. To achieve this, they would need to pass a language test to demonstrate their proficiency in everyday Portuguese. According to Global Citizen Solutions, while securing a residency permit doesn’t require fluency, gaining full citizenship does. The image of Harry and Meghan diligently studying Portuguese vocabulary flashcards to master everyday phrases is almost too good to imagine.
Ultimately, their grand purchase in Portugal could prove to be more of a challenge than an escape. While they may have envisioned this move as a way to retreat from the spotlight, the local reception has been lukewarm, and the journey to Portuguese citizenship involves more than just financial investment. Winning over the hearts of the locals might require more effort than they anticipated—perhaps a different approach altogether.
