Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie have been tipped to form a “rival royal court” in Portugal as the cousins join forces, according to a royal commentator.
Meghan Markle and Harry are understood to have purchased a holiday home in Portugal, sparking speculation about their future plans and relationships within the Royal Family.
The move would bring the Duke and Duchess of Sussex closer to Europe and potentially mend strained familial ties.
The new property is said to be located near a home owned by Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband Jack Brooksbank. This proximity has led to rumours of a possible “rival royal court” forming across the Channel.
Royal commentators suggest the Portuguese base could serve multiple purposes for the couple, from reconnecting with old friends to establishing a stronger European presence.
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s connection to Portugal has fuelled speculation about their potential involvement in Harry and Meghan’s plans. The Sussexes’ new property is thought to be near Eugenie and Jack’s home in Melides, south of Lisbon.
Richard Eden, a royal commentator, suggested this proximity could lead to a “rival royal court”.
He told The Mail: “It may be that Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, who also own a Portuguese property, join their rival Royal court.”
This development has raised questions about the future dynamics within the Royal Family and the potential for a separate sphere of influence centred around the Sussexes and their allies.
Eden suggested the Portuguese property could serve as a getaway for Harry to reconnect with old friends.
He said: “Maybe Portugal is somewhere where Harry can escape to with a bunch of his mates. He’s lost touch with a lot of old friends as well from Britain but if he says then ‘Come on, why don’t you come join me in Portugal for a few days?'”
Eden also highlighted the potential benefits of a “Golden Visa” that could be obtained through property purchase in Portugal.
He explained: “Acquiring a Golden Visa would help Meghan as she and her husband develop their plans to become the ‘rival royals’ across the water, enabling them to travel easily through European countries.”
This visa could facilitate the couple’s plans for increased European presence and quasi-royal tours.
The Sussexes’ move to Portugal could have broader implications for their relationship with the Royal Family and their European presence.
With a shorter travel time to the UK, Harry may have more opportunities for last-minute visits, potentially thawing tensions with his family. Non-stop flights between the UK and Portugal take only two to three hours.
However, security concerns remain a significant obstacle to Harry’s visits to the UK, especially with his family.
The withdrawal of his police protection when he stepped down from royal duties has limited his ability to travel freely.
Despite these challenges, some royal observers remain hopeful. Royal commentator Jennie Bond told OK! magazine: “I don’t think Harry has burned all his bridges with the British public.
“There’s something about Harry that remains quite charming and engaging.”
