EXCLUSIVE: A royal expert has outlined what it could mean for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and their ties to the Royal Family with their reported ‘new move’ on the cards

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Harry and Meghan have reportedly purchased a property in Portugal (
Image: Photo by RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP via Getty Images)

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have reportedly snapped up a home in Portugal, hinting at more frequent visits to Europe and potentially more family time. This ‘unexpected move’ could mean the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be spending additional time on European soil, possibly rekindling familial bonds, especially since one royal relative already has a foothold in the sunny country.

Princess Eugenie, Harry’s cousin, along with her spouse Jack Brooksbank, enjoy their Portuguese retreat where they unwind with their sons, August and Ernest. Despite the turbulence in his relationships with Prince William and King Charles, Harry is believed to have always kept a warm connection with Eugenie and is fond of Jack.

Meghan (L), Duchess of Sussex, and Britain's Prince Harry (R), Duke of Sussex arrive at the State Governor House in Lagos on May 12, 2024
The reported purchase in Portugal could see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spending more time with the Royal Family ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

With buzz growing around Harry and Meghan’s potential new residence in Portugal, a royal insider has spoken exclusively to the Mirror about what this development could spell for the Sussexes’ family dynamics. Jennie Bond, ex-BBC royal reporter, shared with us: “I think it perhaps suggests that they DO want their children to know at least some of their UK family.”

Jennie also added, “It will be good for Archie and Lilibet to spend time with their little cousins, and Eugenie will remain an important link between Harry and the rest of his family.

“I don’t know quite why they feel they need to BUY a place….especially given that Harry has complained about lack of money in the past…..rather than just stay with Jack and Eugenie or rent a place, but it suggests that they intend to spend more time on this side of the Atlantic.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their two children, Archie and Lillibet
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond says it will be good for Archie and Lilibet to spend time with their little cousins ( 
Image:
Instagram/archewell_hm)

“And that’s a positive move because it implies that the children won’t be solely immersed in American culture and will have a better understanding of their European roots,” the former BBC royal correspondent concluded.

The reported purchase in Portugal follows Harry and Meghan’s departure from Frogmore Cottage in the UK last year after King Charles asked them to vacate. This left the Sussexes without a personal residence in the UK, having relocated to California, where they reside with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lillibet.

Previously, the late Queen had bestowed the property on Windsor Estate to them as a wedding gift when they tied the knot in 2018. They moved into the home as newlyweds in 2019 and stayed until their Royal exit in 2020. The keys were returned in 2023.