Ex-Staffer Claims Harry & Meghan's Portugal Move Is Linked To How Their Life In The US Turned Out
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, reportedly sought a new home in Portugal, as life in the US wasn't "what they thought it would be."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, reportedly sought a new home in Portugal, as life in the US wasn't "what they thought it would be."
According to former palace aide Grant Harrold, the move may hint at the duo's plan to reconnect with the royal family, bringing them closer to the UK.
Prince Harry and Meghan's decision to purchase a home in Portugal has also been linked to his close ties with his cousing, Princess Eugenie.
The Alleged Reason Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Bought A Home In Portugal
Harry and Meghan reportedly invested in a property at the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, a luxurious, 722-acre community located around 81 miles from Lisbon.
The area's development is set to feature around 300 residences, and the couple is believed to have spent over $4.7 million on one of these soon-to-be-built homes.
Regarding their reason for seeking a new home in Portugal, former palace aide Harold shared that the Sussexes are reassessing their life in the United States, which hasn't turned out as they had hoped.
Harrold, who served as a personal butler to King Charles, believes this rumored move to Europe hints that Harry and Meghan might be "edging their way back in the direction of the UK."
In an interview with the New York Post, Harrold explained: "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."
He added, "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."
Prince Harry And Meghan's Move to Portugal Hints At A Step Toward Reconnection With The Royal Family
Harrold previously suggested to the publication that the couple's potential move to Portugal could indicate a desire to reconnect with the royal family.
He explained: "It's been quiet for quite a while, which is a good sign, so I think any move to Europe — even if it's not the UK, Portugal is not that far — could mean that it's easier for Harry to spend more time in his home the UK and it's quite possible it's a sign that he is getting closer to his family again."
Harrold also pointed out that "There's no obvious reason for choosing Portugal as a location to live," adding, "But let's not forget that it's not unusual for royals to set up overseas."
"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," he concluded.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Could Be Visited In Portugal By Members Of The Royal Family
Though the exact reasons for Harry and Meghan's choice of Portugal remain unclear, their personal connections likely played a role.
CostaTerra, the development where they've reportedly purchased a home, is owned by Discovery Land Company, founded by Mike Meldman. Meldman, along with George Clooney, was a co-founder of Casamigos, the billion-dollar tequila brand.
The Sussexes also have a family link to Discovery Land Company, as Princess Eugenie's husband, Jack Brooksbank, works in its marketing and sales division.
Harrold speculates that royal family members might visit Portugal to see the couple in their new home.
"All the younger royals, I'm guessing, would love to go out to Portugal to visit them if they do move, so I would imagine we would see some of the family members visiting Harry and Meghan — as well as a few of their celebrity friends no doubt," he shared.
Portugal's climate, similar to that of Montecito, California, may also have been a factor in the couple's decision.
The Couple Would Need To Obtain European Union Citizenship
Before settling into life in Portugal, Harry and Meghan must first address a significant challenge: obtaining European Union citizenship, which would grant them the freedom to travel across the Schengen Area, which spans 29 countries.
Meanwhile, the trans-Atlantic move also raises questions about the future of the couple's business pursuits and how they plan to manage them from Europe.
In response, Harrold points out that the Sussexes' business interests "can very much continue wherever they are in the world," despite rumors suggesting tensions in their professional partnership.
Harrold is also confident the couple will maintain their high-profile 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. I don't think it will be the end of their celebrity friendships at all," he noted.
The Duchess Is Content With Never Returning To The UK
Christopher Andersen, author of "The King," previously told Fox News Digital that Meghan "would be perfectly happy never setting foot in the UK again."
"Harry and Meghan have a fairly idyllic life in California, regardless of what their critics like to imagine," Andersen explained. "Meghan probably came to terms with their situation… with the royal family much earlier than Harry has – if indeed he has."
"Meghan is more of a realist and realized early on that the monarchy and those who control it are intractable. That goes for the king and the rest of the royal family," Andersen added.
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