Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have expanded their real estate portfolio by purchasing a new home in Portugal, marking another chapter in their journey as high-profile expatriates. The couple plans to use this property as a base in Europe, while maintaining their $14.65 million Montecito, California mansion as their primary residence. The decision to invest in Portugal highlights the couple’s intent to maintain close ties to family, as well as an affinity for luxury properties in exclusive locations.
Though few specific details have emerged about the exact location or characteristics of the new property, reports indicate that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle selected Portugal to stay near family. Prince Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, who he is very close with and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, own a home within the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, a members-only community located in Comporta, Portugal. Known for its stunning coastal views, world-class golfing, and serene privacy, CostaTerra caters to a select clientele of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and global elites seeking a luxurious yet discreet getaway. Although the specifics of Prince Harry and Meghan’s new home are not public, it is likely situated near Princess Eugenie’s residence, allowing the family to reconnect in a relaxed, beautiful environment.
Portugal has recently gained popularity among wealthy international buyers seeking European properties. The country’s “golden visa” program, which grants residency permits to individuals who make qualifying investments in Portuguese real estate, provides an attractive incentive. For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, this not only allows easy travel access within Europe but also potential pathways to longer-term residency.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to relocate from the United Kingdom and ultimately relinquish their UK residence, Frogmore Cottage, has been symbolic of their larger departure from traditional royal roles. Frogmore Cottage, a 19th-century home on the grounds of Windsor Castle, was their primary residence before they left England in 2020. Originally a wedding gift from Queen Elizabeth II, the property underwent extensive renovations funded in part by public money, amounting to approximately $3 million. After stepping down from royal duties, the couple repaid these renovation costs, closing that chapter of their lives in the United Kingdom.
Frogmore Cottage held sentimental value to be sure, but also represented the pressures of royal life. When they decided to step back from official duties, the couple initially resided in Canada before permanently relocating to the United States. Though no longer in England, Prince Harry and Meghan have occasionally returned for family events, such as the funeral of Prince Harry’s grandfather, Prince Philip and his grandmother Queen Elizabeth. However, the couple’s loss of Frogmore Cottage as a residence underscores a widening gap between them and royal life in the UK. This new property in Portugal serves as a balance, enabling a European base without the formality and public expectations that would have accompanied a royal property.
While their new property in Portugal marks a return to Europe, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are keeping their California mansion in Montecito as their main home. Purchased in 2020 for $14.65 million, this luxurious estate spans 18,000 square feet and offers every amenity suited to the couple’s needs. The 9 bedroom, 16 bathroom home is situated in the hills of Santa Barbara County, providing an escape from paparazzi and public scrutiny. Its extensive grounds feature a large swimming pool, a private playground for their two children, and even a tennis court. Interiors include high-end finishes, a library, gym, and spa, as well as various office spaces where the couple can work on their philanthropic projects and media ventures.
Montecito itself is a celebrity enclave, home to Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and other high-profile figures seeking privacy amid California’s natural beauty. Known for its gated communities and scenic coastline, Montecito has proven to be an ideal retreat for the couple as they focus on raising their family and pursuing new career paths outside of royalty.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s recent decision to invest in Portugal is seen by many as a family-oriented move. Both Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie have long shared a close bond, and their spouses have formed friendships as well. This new home in Portugal allows Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to maintain a familial presence in Europe without the obligations of a traditional royal residence. In choosing Portugal, they have also selected a destination known for its laid-back lifestyle and natural beauty, offering an ideal escape from the rigors of public life.
For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, life has become a mix of international influences. Their property in Montecito provides a stable home base for their young family and growing business ventures, including their production company, Archewell. Meanwhile, their investment in Portugal signifies both a reconnection with European roots and a step toward a more independent future. Their choice of location underscores their desire to be close to loved ones while maintaining the autonomy they sought when they first moved abroad.
Ultimately, Prince Harry and Meghan’s property portfolio reflects their broader journey – balancing family connections, philanthropy, and personal freedom across continents. Their continued investment in Montecito and now in Portugal represents the couple’s values of privacy and proximity to loved ones, allowing them to pursue a lifestyle that blends public roles with private moments.
As they grow their roots on two continents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new home in Portugal offers a serene getaway where they can remain close to family, adding a new chapter to their life outside traditional royal circles. This move illustrates their commitment to a modern royal lifestyle, one that embraces family, independence, and a shared desire for a meaningful future.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘Purchase House in Portugal’—but $14.65 Million Montecito Mansion Is Still Their Home Base
