Residents of the picturesque coastal town of Comporta are rallying together to send a clear message to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: "Thanks, but no thanks—please give us our beaches back."
The Sussexes, having swapped their royal duties for a luxurious £6.3 million property, are already facing backlash from locals who are less than thrilled about their arrival and the influx of wealthy foreigners that seem to follow them wherever they go. Comporta, located just an hour south of Lisbon, was once a serene escape for locals. However, it appears that the rich and famous have turned this charming haven into a playground for the elite.
The couple's recent purchase in the exclusive Costa Terra Beach Resort has stirred up more than just a few ripples. "This is the worst thing to happen to the Portuguese coast," lamented Bradley McGinness, a local clearly unimpressed by the couple’s preference for private beaches over the simple pleasures of public access. "It's a classic case of greed taking land from locals who've enjoyed it for years," he added, echoing the frustration of many who feel their peaceful home is being overtaken by the wealthy and well-connected.
Others in the town share this sentiment. Andre Andrade, another resident, expressed his dismay over the development. "I'm upset by this massive piece of Portuguese land being destroyed for the rich. Generations of locals have made memories here, and now it's all being swept away," he said. Meanwhile, Diana Quiro, a longtime visitor to the area, voiced her disappointment over no longer being able to camp in her favorite spot, thanks to the new exclusive development. The residents’ collective frustration is palpable, as they wonder what restrictions will come next—perhaps "No Camping" signs and VIP-only access to their once-beloved shores.
What further aggravates the locals is the stark contrast between Harry and Meghan's presence and that of other royals. One resident pointed out that Princess Eugenie and her family live just an hour away in Sintra, yet they don’t disturb anyone and manage to blend in with the local community. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are reportedly surrounded by more security than Portugal’s own prime minister. For a couple that claimed they wanted to escape the world’s spotlight, they seem to be doing the opposite by making quite the scene.
Portugal, a predominantly Catholic nation deeply rooted in tradition, has little patience for perceived outsiders who seek the spotlight. As one local pointed out, "We don’t appreciate social climbers or fake princes." The Portuguese already have their own beloved royal figures, like the Duke of Braganza, who maintain low profiles and respect the local way of life. So why should they clear out their beaches and restaurants for the Sussexes?
Costa Terra, marketed as a luxurious paradise, has been compared to places like Kiawah Island and Palm Springs. But for many locals, it's as if the Sussexes have chosen a budget airline when they could have flown first class. Trading the glamour of the French Riviera for what some might affectionately call "the Hamptons of the Mediterranean" seems like a step down the social ladder.
As for the legitimacy of the property purchase itself, many locals are skeptical. With a couple that thrives on attention—no matter how absurd their claims may be—it's hard for them not to roll their eyes. While Harry and Meghan may believe they’ve found their sanctuary in Portugal, the reality is far from welcoming. Instead, the locals are banding together with a resounding message: "Leave our beaches alone."
