Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have reportedly made a significant purchase in Portugal, adding another property to their growing portfolio. The couple is said to have acquired a home at the exclusive CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, a luxurious development situated near the charming town of Melides, approximately 81 miles south of Lisbon. This news has generated buzz, but the response from locals has been surprisingly nonchalant.
While the arrival of a royal couple might typically cause a stir, residents in the area are accustomed to high-profile individuals and celebrities. As one local agent told the Daily Mail, “We have much richer and much more famous people buying here for sure. I think they will have zero impact, to be honest.” The agent even compared Harry and Meghan’s arrival to that of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, suggesting that the latter’s presence would likely generate more buzz.
The CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, designed by the renowned Denton House, promises a luxurious experience. Once completed, the resort will boast 300 homes, with prices starting at a staggering £3.6 million ($4.7 million). According to reports, the couple may have spent over 4 million euros on their new Portuguese property.
The reasons behind Harry and Meghan’s choice of Portugal remain unclear, although local speculation points towards the region’s reputation for privacy. A local businessman suggested that the couple might be seeking a quieter life, where they can walk around unbothered. “People are not fussed. The only time there was any fuss about someone coming was when Cristiano Ronaldo turned up and that’s because he’s Portugal’s football hero,” he said.
The area’s allure for privacy and luxury was echoed by Jose Santos, head of the local tourism board. Even the owner of a local seafood restaurant, seemingly unfazed by the arrival of British royalty, joked about the social divide between the rich and the poor. “The rich from the resorts don’t eat with the poor,” he said.
While the couple’s new Portuguese home might not cause a major stir among locals, it is a testament to the region’s growing appeal for high-net-worth individuals seeking a balance of luxury and privacy. As Harry and Meghan navigate their new life away from the royal spotlight, it remains to be seen how their Portuguese adventure unfolds.