Why did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle buy a house in Portugal?

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could make their big return to Europe. If the couple went into exile in America in 2020, they were permanently evicted from Frogmore Cottage, their former British residence, in June 2023. The property, given to the Sussexes by Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding gift, has in fact given them was withdrawn after the publication of Prince Harry’s highly controversial memoir, in which he criticized members of the royal family. Since then, King Charles III has reportedly suggested that his brother, Prince Andrew, move to Frogmore Cottage, leaving the Sussexes without a foothold in the United Kingdom and Europe.

But the couple didn’t have to wait long to find a new second home. He would have set his sights on Portugal, where he would have bought a property on the outskirts of Lisbon, revealed the Daily Mail, on Wednesday October 16. The residence would be located on the Alentejo coast, in Melides, a charming village which offers tranquility, wild nature and mild weather all year round. A very fashionable region for its luxurious architect-designed houses (and its financial advantages), where many celebrities have chosen to settle, such as Sharon Stone, Gisele Bündchen, George Clooney and Cindy Crawford.

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The golden ticket for Meghan Markle

But why did the Sussexes choose Portugal? According to the Daily Mailthe purchase of this property would offer the American actress the possibility of obtaining the “Golden Visa”. This program, proposed by Portugal, “offers wealthy foreigners the right to live and work in another country, in exchange for a significant investment,” according to the BBC . This “golden passport” would thus allow access to certain rights of citizens of the European Union, such as free movement within the Schengen area. Meghan Markle, who did not complete the procedure to acquire British nationality, would have found a way to establish herself again on the Old Continent. Despite these advantages, which the actress could benefit from Suitsthe Sussexes have, for the moment, not confirmed the rumors surrounding the acquisition of this property.

An unfailing friendship

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry would not have chosen this destination solely for the beauty of its lagoons – or the possibility of obtaining the precious visa. The Sussexes are in fact very close to Princess Eugenie of York and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, who own a residence in the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club in Melides. The princess’s husband is marketing and financial director of CostaTerra, and the couple divide their time between Portugal and the United Kingdom.

Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie, for their part, remained in contact despite family dissensions. The Sussexes notably visited the couple in their Portuguese residence in September 2023 – which may have inspired them with the idea of ​​a potential move. While allowing them to strengthen their ties with the prince’s cousin, their last real link within the royal family.