Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are making headlines again—this time for their reported $4.7 million splurge on a home in Portugal’s luxurious CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club. The couple, known for their constant quest for privacy, have set their sights on this posh 722-acre development, just 81 miles south of Lisbon. While this might seem like just another attempt to escape the scrutiny they claim to despise, their move brings with it a unique challenge: navigating the European Union’s complex citizenship requirements post-Brexit.
With the UK’s official departure from the European Union, Harry and Meghan no longer enjoy the same travel perks they once did. That means the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will have to apply for Portuguese citizenship if they want to move freely within the Schengen area, which covers 29 European countries. To do so, they’ll need to pass a Portuguese language test, part of the country’s “Golden Visa” program, which requires applicants to demonstrate basic language proficiency.
This is where things get interesting. While Meghan, the former “Suits” star, is reportedly fluent in Spanish and French, Harry has admitted in the past that he struggles with foreign languages. For a couple who claim to have left the royal family in search of simplicity and a more “authentic” life, learning Portuguese and integrating into the local culture might be more challenging than they anticipated.
Portugal’s “Golden Visa” program provides several pathways to citizenship, including a five-year residency requirement or investing approximately $540,000 in local ventures or scientific research. Given the Sussexes’ connections to Hollywood and high finance, it seems unlikely they’ll opt for the five-year residency route when they can simply buy their way into citizenship—a classic example of the elite using their wealth to skirt the rules that ordinary people have to follow.
What’s more, Harry and Meghan’s new home is part of the Discovery Land Company, an enterprise founded by Mike Meldman—known for co-founding the billion-dollar tequila brand Casamigos alongside George Clooney. Adding a family touch to the story, Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie’s husband, Jack Brooksbank, works for Discovery Land Company, handling marketing and sales. Once again, it’s clear that the Sussexes, despite their claims of seeking “normalcy,” continue to operate within the highest echelons of wealth and privilege.
It’s no surprise the couple chose Portugal. Known for its pristine beaches, sunny weather, and safety, Portugal offers the peace and privacy Harry and Meghan have been searching for since their dramatic exit from royal life in 2020. But the move may not be as smooth as they’d hoped. While some local residents appreciate the attention, others are reportedly less than thrilled about the arrival of the Sussexes in their quiet corner of Europe.
Once again, the Sussexes find themselves in a position of wanting privacy but drawing global attention. Whether this latest move is about escaping the limelight or buying another glamorous lifestyle, one thing is certain: Harry and Meghan are never far from controversy or the public eye. As they work their way through EU red tape, the world will be watching closely to see how their latest chapter unfolds.