Reason behind Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s Portugal real estate ambitions

It was the move that was supposed to provide Prince Harry and Meghan Markle a private life and an all-American upbringing for their two children but something didn’t cut it.

Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Picture: Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the decision to move to Portugal because their life in the US did not end up being “what they thought it would be”.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly splurged more than $US4.7 million ($A7.2 million) on a yet-to-be-constructed home at CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, a luxury development of 300 properties on the Atlantic Ocean in the small town of Melides, about 130km south of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

According to King Charles’ former personal butler Grant Harrold, the royal couple’s rumoured move to Europe shows that they’re “edging their way back in the direction of the UK.”

“Their life in the US — there’s so many people that move away and move back, so I don’t think there’d be anything unusual about Harry and Meghan leaving the US for Europe,” Mr Harrold told the New York Post.

“But maybe living in the States wasn’t what they thought it would be and that could be why they’re now supposedly edging their way back in the direction of the UK.”

Mr Harrold previously told The Post that the pair’s rumoured move signals their attempt at a reconciliation with the royal family.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the decision to move to Portugal because their life in the US did not end up being “what they thought it would be”. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation

While it’s unclear why the pair opted for a home in Portugal, their connections could be a reason.

“There’s no obvious reason for choosing Portugal as a location to live, but let’s not forget that it’s not unusual for royals to set up overseas,” Mr Harrold noted.

“Some have historically moved to France, Princess Margaret used to spend a lot of time in Mauritius, so Harry would be following in the footsteps of other royals who have done something similar.”

After stepping down as “senior members of the Royal Family” in 2020, the Sussexes moved to Montecito, California.

In the couple’s Netflix docu-series “Harry & Meghan”, Harry claimed senior royals were jealous of Meghan’s popularity and were determined to “tear her down”.

He accused the firm of planting negative stories about the former “Suits” actress in the press.

The Duke said it was expected that someone ‘marrying in’ to the Royal Family should play a supporting role. He used his late mother Princess Diana as an example.

Last year, the pair were evicted from their UK base, Frogmore Cottage, following the release of the Prince’s explosive memoir “Spare”.

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Harry and Meghan currently live in their Montecito, California, mansion, which they purchased for $20.9 million in 2020. Picture: Supplied

Frogmore Cottage in Windsor was the UK home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images

Before the couple enjoys their new life in Portugal, Harry and Meghan face one major hurdle to overcome in obtaining European Union citizenship.

Such citizenship would allow the couple to travel freely through the Schengen Area, which covers 29 countries.

A trans-Atlantic move brings up the question of the pair’s business ventures, and how they’ll manage to juggle them from the EU.

The “Suits” alum, 43, has yet to launch her highly anticipated lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, with its release date being thrust into doubt over an ongoing trademark snafu.

Mr Harrold notes that the couple’s business ventures “can very much continue wherever they are in the world” — despite reports that the duo’s professional relationship is in a “very bad state.”

Mr Harrold also believes that the pair will manage to salvage their star-studded Hollywood friendships.

“The friendships they have I’m sure they will keep, as it is for anyone who moves abroad, friends will come and visit,” he said.

“I don’t think it will be the end of their celebrity friendships at all.”

Parts of this story first appeared in the New York Post and were republished with permission.

Originally published as Reason behind Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s Portugal real estate ambitions