Locals of Comporta Send a Strong Message to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: 'Thanks, But No Thanks!'
Residents of the picturesque coastal town of Comporta are uniting to deliver a straightforward message to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: "Thanks, but no thanks! We’d like our beaches back."
Having traded their royal duties for a luxurious £6.3 million retreat, the Sussexes are already encountering the discontent of locals who are less than thrilled about their arrival and the influx of wealthy foreigners that seems to follow them.
Located just an hour south of Lisbon, Comporta was once a serene escape for locals. Now, it appears the rich and famous have decided to crash the party, transforming this charming haven into a playground for the elite. The couple’s purchase at the exclusive Costa Terra Beach Resort is creating more than just a few ripples in the water.
“This is the worst thing to happen to the Portuguese coast,” lamented Bradley McGinness, a local who is clearly unimpressed by the presence of a couple who favor private beaches over the simple pleasures of public access. “It’s a classic case of greed taking land from locals who’ve enjoyed it for years,” he added, echoing the frustrations of countless residents who have had to share their beloved space with the affluent.
Andre Andrade, another local, shared his dismay: “I’m upset by this massive piece of Portuguese land being destroyed for the rich. Generations of locals have made memories here, and now it’s all being swept away.” Meanwhile, Diana Quiro, a self-proclaimed longtime visitor, expressed disappointment over the loss of her favorite camping spot, which has become off-limits due to the new exclusive development. “You can almost hear the collective sigh from the locals as they ponder what’s next—a no camping sign and VIP-only access to their own shores,” she remarked.
The frustration among residents doesn’t stop there. One local pointed out that other royals, like Princess Eugenie, live just an hour away in Sintra and manage to maintain a low profile without causing a stir. “They don’t bother anyone and keep to themselves,” the resident noted. In stark contrast, Harry and Meghan are reportedly surrounded by more security than Portugal’s own Prime Minister. For a couple who sought to escape the world spotlight, they sure seem to be making a scene.
Portugal, a predominantly Catholic country steeped in tradition, has little patience for perceived outsiders, as one local put it: “We don’t appreciate social climbers or fake princes.” Given the presence of the Duke of Braganza, a non-working royal who knows how to keep a low profile, many wonder why the Portuguese would want to clear out their beaches and restaurants for the Sussexes.
Marketed as a luxurious slice of paradise, the Costa Terra resort has drawn comparisons to Koh Samui and Palm Springs. Yet, it seems the Sussexes have traded the glamour of the French Riviera for cookie-cutter residences that some might affectionately dub “the homes of the Mediterranean.”
As for the legitimacy of their property purchase, it’s hard not to roll our eyes at the couple who thrive on attention, no matter how absurd their claims may be. While Harry and Meghan may believe they’ve found their sanctuary, Portugal is not rolling out the red carpet for them. Instead, the locals are banding together with a loud and clear message: “Leave our beaches alone!”
