Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly exploring new horizons, setting their sights on a picturesque property in Portugal.
Their current life in California, once anticipated as a fairy-tale escape, has seemingly morphed into a reality show script. Now, it appears the Sussexes may be on the hunt for a new home under the European sun. Living in the popular, celebrity-studded Montecito may have turned out to be a bit too predictable for the pair. Reports suggest they’ve invested over $4.7 million in a property located in the exclusive CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club in Portugal's Algarve region, a lavish 722-acre development just 81 miles south of Lisbon. Known for its upscale, serene environment, the Algarve is a sought-after destination for luxury living.
Former palace staff member Grant Harrold commented on the couple’s rumored relocation, interpreting it as a symbolic move back towards the UK, albeit at a European distance. It seems the glamour of American life may not have held the appeal Harry and Meghan had imagined. However, this isn’t an abrupt escape but rather a graceful drift back towards royal familiarity, like a "royal boomerang." Harrold further noted in an interview with the New York Post that many expatriates in the U.S. eventually move back to Europe, so if the Sussexes were to leave California for the continent, it wouldn’t be particularly unusual. According to Harrold, the allure of life in the U.S. may not have fully met their expectations, perhaps prompting this potential change in scenery.
But why Portugal? The choice could be influenced by the Algarve’s year-round warm climate, mirroring that of California, yet with a distinctly European flair. Additionally, some royal watchers suggest that the couple might wish to reconnect with royal heritage; other members of the British Royal Family, such as Princess Margaret, frequented the Algarve, creating a history of British aristocrats enjoying the area’s unique blend of leisure and luxury. Harry may be keeping a royal tradition alive, albeit one pricey property at a time. Before settling in, however, the couple must navigate the European Union's residency requirements, including acquiring EU citizenship. Yet, Harrold believes their business ventures and income streams are adaptable enough to follow them across the globe, allowing the Sussexes to continue their entrepreneurial activities without interruption.
Meanwhile, Meghan’s highly anticipated lifestyle brand, tentatively named "American Riviera Orchard," has hit a few bumps along the road, with its launch reportedly delayed amid trademark disputes and other business realities. If they do indeed make this move, the couple may face the challenge of maintaining their Hollywood connections and close friendships with U.S.-based celebrities. Will personalities like Oprah or George and Amal Clooney make their way to Portugal for visits or parties? The logistics of juggling their American network with European life could present interesting social dynamics.
Despite the buzz, many speculate that the rumored property purchase may simply be another PR tactic aimed at diverting attention from ongoing controversies. Questions have been raised about the credibility of this reported real estate acquisition, with some suggesting it could be a strategic story to keep the couple relevant within the celebrity news cycle. If the story is accurate, however, one has to wonder if this move to Portugal is an attempt to "reset" their public image. After all, a new location may offer fresh opportunities, but it won’t magically resolve the scrutiny and media frenzy that seem to follow the couple. Wherever Harry and Meghan choose to call home, their distinctive blend of celebrity and royal drama will undoubtedly accompany them, adding yet another chapter to their complex public life.
