Harry and Meghan are said to have acquired a charming little slice of Portugal, and rumors suggest this move is part of a grand plan to establish themselves as “Rival Royals.” It seems that two individuals who voluntarily stepped back from royal duties are now looking to maintain some semblance of royal status, just from across the water. According to royal commentator Richard Eden from the *Daily Mail*, the couple’s journey to Portugal is aimed at enhancing their royal image.
Eden speculates that Harry and Meghan may be plotting a Europe-wide takeover with this new purchase, potentially using their home as a base for their endeavors. They've already made appearances in Nigeria and Colombia, dubbing these outings “quasi-royal tours.” Apparently, if there’s one thing Harry and Meghan are eager for, it’s more titles with "quasi" attached to them.
Of course, they won’t be alone in their Portuguese retreat. Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, are said to spend a significant amount of time there as well, possibly joining the new “rival royal court.”
As for Meghan, the one-time prospective British citizen who seems indifferent to that title now, there’s talk of her acquiring a golden visa—essentially her ticket to roam Europe at will, presumably spreading their unique brand of quasi-royalty wherever she goes. Although Portugal's golden visa program may soon close, it appears the Sussexes are keen to secure a spot just before the opportunity vanishes.
Behind this entire venture is Mike Meldman, the king of celebrity networking and the mastermind of Costa Terre, the development where Harry and Meghan may have purchased land. Meldman has even enlisted Jack Brooksbank to help market his properties. At 65, Meldman has a colorful past that includes a couple of grown children, several ex-wives, and rumored romantic ties to reality TV star Brandi Glanville. He is known for rubbing shoulders with A-listers and frequently dropping names like Tom Brady and Reese Witherspoon to keep the buzz alive. Harry and Meghan seem to fit perfectly into this glamorous lifestyle.
Interestingly, Paris Hilton is also rumored to have purchased land in this development, turning it into a star-studded playground for the affluent. However, it’s not all sunshine and golf carts; there are whispers—scandalous whispers—that the land is in a protected area, making it difficult to develop. But why invest in something that may never come to fruition? After all, it’s not like they’re trying to make it their permanent residence; it’s all about the buzz.
Speaking of buzz, let’s talk about Montecito, where Harry and Meghan have already settled. This locale has become a haven for the ultra-wealthy and retirees. The irony is palpable: the Duchess, who once aimed to be Hollywood’s young, hip mom, is now residing in what is essentially a posh retirement community. Montecito is where affluent individuals go to pretend they’re still relevant after cashing in their millions, but Meghan seems to have bypassed the million-making part and jumped straight to the pretension.
As for their children, Archie and Lilibet—the royal tots who often seem to be absent during Harry and Meghan’s public outings—it feels increasingly like a game of “Where’s Waldo?” for these poor kids. While other royals, like the Waleses, let their children enjoy normal experiences like ice cream outings, Harry and Meghan's kids appear to be kept under lock and key. But not to worry—the press is keeping an eye on them, and we can expect headlines like “Where Are Archie and Lilibet?” Any day now.
Perhaps the kids are living in Portugal’s dreamland, waiting for their parents’ next brilliant publicity scheme. Ultimately, this rumored house in Portugal is yet another chapter in the ongoing soap opera of the Sussexes, filled with plots that may or may not lead anywhere—much like the alleged house itself.
