Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Face Backlash During Portugal Getaway

Recently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle found themselves in hot water during their trip to Portugal.

After stepping back from royal duties last year and relocating to California, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been vocal critics of the British royal family.

Their outspoken nature has sparked a divide among the public, with some expressing support while others accuse them of disrespecting the monarchy.

This trip, intended as a relaxing beach vacation, turned out to be anything but peaceful for the couple.

The Sussexes arrived in Portugal in early June, settling into the luxurious Quinta do Lago Resort, a gated community favored by celebrities and affluent tourists.

However, news of their presence quickly spread through the local community.

Reactions were mixed; some locals sympathized with Harry and Meghan's struggles, particularly regarding fame and mental health.

Yet, a significant portion of the population reacted with anger, feeling that the couple's ongoing critiques of the monarchy warranted a less than warm welcome.

Antonio, a local business owner, voiced his frustration, stating that Harry and Meghan seem to want the perks of royal life without accepting any of the associated responsibilities.

He expressed disbelief that they would expect to be treated with reverence after turning their backs on royal duties.

The sentiment resonated widely, with hashtags like #NotWelcomeHere and #FakeRoyals trending across social media platforms in Portugal.

Local tabloids jumped on the bandwagon, with headlines criticizing the couple.

One publication even dubbed them the “Netflix Royals” in reference to their lucrative streaming deal.

The backlash escalated into what appeared to be an organized boycott against offering services to the Sussexes during their stay.

Restaurants and other businesses near their resort took to Facebook to announce that they wouldn't serve the couple, with one café post garnering over 500 shares in support of the decision.

Taxi drivers joined the fray, declaring they would refuse to pick up Harry and Meghan if requested.

Speculation arose that this pushback was orchestrated by influential figures who were unhappy with the couple's behavior.

Rumors circulated about possible protests should the couple venture into public spaces, indicating a strong sentiment against them among some Portuguese citizens.

The general consensus among locals seems to be that Harry and Meghan can no longer claim legitimacy as royals after stepping back from their official roles.

Many believe it's unreasonable for them to enjoy the fame and recognition that comes with being senior royals while simultaneously criticizing the institution itself.

The expectation of royal treatment abroad, despite their public denouncements of the monarchy, has left many feeling frustrated.

The intensity of the backlash in Portugal highlights the broader implications of Harry and Meghan's actions and statements.

It reflects a growing discontent with their portrayal of themselves as victims while simultaneously reaping the benefits of royal status.

As they continue to criticize the monarchy, it appears that sympathy for the couple is waning, not just in the UK but also internationally.

To avoid potential encounters with hostile locals or protestors, Harry and Meghan opted for private catering throughout their stay.

Reports indicate they did not leave their resort at all, suggesting that the backlash had created an atmosphere of intimidation, prompting them to stay hidden away from the public eye.

Despite their spokesperson's assertions that the boycott claims are unfounded and that they enjoyed their vacation, many locals tell a different story.

This situation follows a rocky year for the couple, including a charity in the UK dropping them as patrons over accusations of misleading behavior.

Such negative publicity continues to chip away at their reputation, raising questions about their future as independent figures divorced from royal ties.

Even in Portugal, a country known for its celebrity adoration, Harry and Meghan are finding that their royal titles no longer guarantee them a free pass.

The backlash they faced could signal a troubling trend for the couple when traveling abroad.

If their criticisms of the royal family persist, other nations like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand may very well echo Portugal's sentiments, further complicating their international standing.