Harry, Meghan's update: Why are locals unhappy with the Duke of Sussex's £6.5million Portugal move?

According to reports published in Mirror, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have bought a home in Portugal. One commentator in fact suggested that the move makes sense to anyone who read the Duke of Sussex’s tell-all memoir ‘Spare’ which is a hugely controversial book leaking out the dark secrets of the British Royal family.

But did you know that Harry and Meghan’s nestling in Europe has not exactly impressed the locals? Though Harry and Meghan are in no mood to leave their high-flying California lifestyle behind, they have decided to stay close to Prince Harry’s homeland by reportedly purchasing a new property in Melides, Portugal.

According to reports published in Mirror, Harry and Meghan have apparently purchased a swanky pad on the sunny Iberian coast, which could bag them a ‘Golden Visa’ for easy-peasy travel through the EU’s Schengen zone - and with a £6.5 million price tag, it really will be a golden ticket to the EU.

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Royal commentator Angela Levin has explained the “real reason” for purchasing a home in Portugal, pointing out that Harry spills the beans in his memoir ‘ _Spare_ ’. There are reports too which also mention that the purchase happened when Prince Harry had to hand over the Frogmore Cottage to King Charles after stepping down from their royal duties.

Locals unhappy with Harry and Meghan’s move to Portugal

Daily Mail reported that the couple reportedly fell in love with the area during a romantic five-night getaway last fall, leading them to acquire a home that they intend to use as a private vacation spot and a base when travelling to Europe. A local real estate agent told Daily Mail, “In recent years we have seen A-listers from the States buying homes or plots which are essentially closed environments. It’s very high-end and homes range from four to 20 million euros.”

“There have been rumours in recent months that Harry and Meghan are among the latest buyers. But it’s unclear if they have bought a home that is already built or if it is yet to be built.”

Another local agent told the Mail, “We have much richer and much more famous people buying here for sure. I think they will have zero impact, to be honest.” If someone like Jeff Bezos bought here then, yes, there could be some impact – but not Harry and Meghan.”

Sussexes’ always have a history with their neighbours

None of his neighbours even in California like the couple. Sussexes’ neighbours back in Montecito, California lamented the couple as “rude” and “unwanted” by some while other said they were living a “hermit-like”.

(With added inputs from agencies)