Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Bold Move: A New Chapter in Portugal

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are on a mission to create a brighter future for their children, Archie and Lilibet.

The couple's recent decision to invest in a property in Portugal has sparked discussions about how this move might help bridge the gap between them and the British royal family.

With royal experts noting the distance between the Sussexes and their royal cousins, there's a glimmer of hope that this new home could mend some of those familial ties.

Many see their choice of residence as an effort to immerse their children in European culture.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond shared her insights, suggesting that with the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House, Harry and Meghan may spend more time in Portugal, especially during school breaks.

She expressed concern over Archie and Lilibet's isolation from their royal relatives, stating it's unfortunate for them to grow up knowing they belong to one of the world's most famous families yet remain distanced from almost all of them.

Experts have reported that the Sussexes invested a staggering £3.6 million in a property located in a resort often dubbed the “Hamptons of Portugal.”

Nestled just an hour south of Lisbon, between Comporta and Milides, this location is not just a random choice.

It's been influenced by Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, who also maintain a home in Milides, splitting their time between the UK and Portugal.

This new base in Portugal opens up the potential for Harry and Meghan's children to form relationships with their cousins.

Jenny Bond remarked that it could only benefit Archie and Lilibet to interact with some of their royal cousins.

She emphasized that this home signifies Harry and Meghan's desire for their children to connect with European culture and perhaps even bond with Eugenie's kids.

Wouldn't it be lovely to catch glimpses of the Sussex children enjoying time with their cousins?

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams highlighted the significance of this move, pointing out the closeness between Harry, Meghan, Eugenie, and Jack.

He suggested that this connection will likely involve their children and hinted that we might eventually see photos of Archie and Lilibet alongside Eugenie and Jack's family, showcasing a strong bond between the two couples.

The property is located at the Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club, owned by millionaire property mogul Mike Meldman.

Interestingly, Jack Brooksbank works for Meldman's Discovery Land Company, which specializes in creating luxurious private golf and residential communities.

PR expert Edward Coram James noted that Eugenie and Jack are thriving in Portugal and may have encouraged Harry and Meghan to consider this locale, making the transition to a new country smoother with family nearby.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows for the Sussexes.

They've faced significant criticism since moving to California in 2020.

Conservative expert Niall Gardner labeled them as “massive narcissists,” arguing that their outspoken comments about the royal family have alienated many Americans.

He pointed out that while most Americans admire the royal family, Harry and Meghan's ongoing criticisms haven't resonated well with the public.

Their controversial interviews and public statements, especially the bombshell conversation with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, have drawn considerable backlash.

Critics argue that their focus on the royal family's alleged toxicity overshadows any positive contributions they might make to public discourse.

In fact, Gardner noted that their behavior has left them out of favor with many in the U.S.

The couple's unpopularity has been reflected in various media portrayals, including a brutal depiction in an episode of South Park.

Additionally, a former Spotify executive infamously referred to them as “FING grifters,” highlighting the skepticism surrounding their lucrative deals with streaming platforms.

This scrutiny intensified following the release of Harry's memoir, Spare, which revealed intimate details about his life and experiences within the royal family.

Despite the challenges, recent polling indicates a shift in public perception.

A YouGov poll commissioned by The Times revealed that 49% of Americans now hold a positive view of Harry, a notable increase from earlier figures.

Interestingly, this approval rating surpasses that of his father, King Charles, and even Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.

Furthermore, the poll indicated that a significant portion of Americans—35%—believe the royal family should apologize to Harry and Meghan for their treatment.

This suggests that while the couple's relationship with the monarchy remains strained, there are still many who sympathize with their experiences and believe the monarchy should take responsibility.

As Harry and Meghan navigate their new life in California and their recent move to Portugal, their journey continues to captivate global audiences.

Whether they can rebuild their reputation and regain favor with the American public is uncertain, but their story is far from finished.

The dynamics of their public image have shifted dramatically, and it will be fascinating to see how their actions and words shape perceptions in the future.