The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s latest real estate acquisition has ignited a storm of controversy in Portugal, with locals expressing outrage over the perceived encroachment on their beloved beaches. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly purchased a holiday home at the CostaTerra beach resort in Comporta, a picturesque coastal town about an hour from Lisbon. This move, however, has sparked fury among local residents who feel their access to these pristine beaches is being threatened.
The outrage stems from recent changes in Portuguese regulations that allow officials to designate beaches as ‘private,’ circumventing laws that previously protected public access. Developers have taken advantage of this loophole, snatching up prime coastal sites for construction, effectively barring locals from their cherished spaces. “Worst thing to happen to the Portuguese coast, typical greed situation. Taking land and property from locals who have been enjoying it for years,” one resident told the Daily Record. “I am very upset by this massive piece of Portuguese land destroyed for the rich, removed from the average local that had been creating memories in this place for generations and generations,” another local echoed.
Despite the local backlash, royal insiders believe Harry and Meghan’s choice of Portugal could be a strategic move towards mending fractured relationships with their estranged family in the UK. The country is currently the holiday destination for Princess Eugenie and her family, one of the few branches of the royal family with whom Prince Harry is believed to maintain a cordial relationship. “I think it perhaps suggests that they DO want their children to know at least some of their UK family. 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…it suggests that they intend to spend more time on this side of the Atlantic,” ex-BBC royal reporter Jennie Bond told Mirror.
While the controversy surrounding the purchase of the property continues to simmer, only time will tell if the move truly signifies a shift towards reconciliation within the royal family. The coming months could provide further insight into Harry and Meghan’s plans for their new Portuguese home and whether it will indeed be a stepping stone towards bridging the gap with their estranged relatives.