Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s new Portugal home is ‘shrewd’ as she’s ‘concerned’ Harry will be ‘manipulated’ by royals

MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have reportedly bought a new home in Portugal, and it is a “shrewd move”, according to an expert.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have snapped up a luxurious property in Alentejo, Portugal, just a stone’s throw away from Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank.

As reported by the Mail, the couple plan to set up a base there after being seen in the area last September following the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany.

A source told Closer: “Buying in Portugal is a shrewd move for Meghan. 

“She’s deeply concerned that the Royal Family might manipulate Harry into reintegrating without her, so she needs to be proactive to make sure she’s not isolated or pushed to the sidelines.

“Now, if it is deemed safe from a security standpoint, it’s likely she’ll give her blessing for Harry to take Archie and Lilibet to see their grandpa, King Charles, at some point. 

“And in terms of logistics, having a place in Portugal will make that easier, because Meghan can fly over with the kids without feeling trapped.”

Meghan has returned to the UK just twice since the Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020.

Both of the visits were in 2022, with the first being the late Queen’s Jubilee and then her funeral.

Prince Harry’s trips have been more frequent, with him doing four visits this year.

In September the Duke of Sussex, 40, made a solo trip to attend the WellChild Awards where he met seriously ill youngsters and their families.

During the whistle stop visit he did not meet up with Prince William and King Charles, according to reports.

The couple – who live with their two kids in California – are said to have splashed out on the home in Portugal after being asked to vacate their former UK home Frogmore Cottage by King Charles two years ago.

It is said to be close to Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie, Jack, August, two, and Ernest, five months, who are said to be splitting their time between living at the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club and their life back in the UK.

The reason for the move is Jack’s job, as he is doing marketing, sales and promotion for property entrepreneur Mike Meldman, who is managing the 300-home development there.

The purchase may allow the Sussexes to acquire a “Golden Visa”, where they would have access to the EU’s Schengen area, reports the Daily Mail.

It will give them a base to stop off at whenever they make transatlantic flights to see friends and family, or make appearances at events.

They stepped down as working royals in March 2020 and have since fuelled a major rift with many members of the Firm thanks to controversial tell-all interviews and Harry’s memoir Spare.

Californian home

The Duke and Duchess purchased their first home together, a sprawling, nine-bedroomed property in Montecito, California, in June 2020 for $14.6 million (£11.2 million).

She’s [Meghan’s] deeply concerned that the Royal Family might manipulate Harry into reintegrating without her, so she needs to be proactive to make sure she’s not isolated or pushed to the sidelines

Closer source

The 16-bath home is located in a star-studded enclave in California and sits on 5.4 acres of land.

Fit for royalty, it features a library, office, spa, gym, game room, wine cellar and five-car garage, it’s believed.

The estate also boasts sweeping lawns, tiered rose gardens, tall Italian cypress trees, blooming lavender, olive trees, a tennis court, tea house, children’s cottage and a pool. 

There is even a chicken coop with “Archie’s Chick Inn”, which has rescue hens.