Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have one major hurdle to overcome following their rumored house purchase in sunny Portugal.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly splashed out on one of 300 soon-to-be constructed residences at the 722-acre CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club — a plush development about 81 miles south of Lisbon.
The pair are said to have forked over more than $4.7 million on the purchase, the Mirror reports.
But after signing on the dotted line, it appears as though the duo now have an obstacle to overcome: obtaining a European Union citizenship.
Such a citizenship would allow the couple to travel freely through the Schengen area, which covers 29 countries.
But with the UK fully out of the EU post-Brexit, Harry and Meghan must file a Portuguese citizenship application, which requires a language test.
According to Global Citizen Solutions, Portugal’s so-called “Golden Visa” application process tests prospective candidates’ ability to use and understand everyday language, expressions and basic phrases.
While learning a new language doesn’t seem to be a problem for the “Suits” alum — who can speak Spanish and French fluently — the same cannot be said for Harry, who has admitted to not knowing a second language.
The Sussexes are offered a range of options when applying for a Portuguese citizenship — these include five years of uninterrupted residency, having ancestors from the country, or investing $540,000 through investment funds, scientific research, local companies and/or businesses.
Upon obtaining the sought-after visa, the pair would be able to travel throughout Europe unhindered.
While it’s unclear exactly why the pair opted for a home in Portugal, one local businessman recently suggested that the privacy offered in the area could be the reason behind their decision.
Indeed, the search for privacy has always been at the forefront of the Sussexes’ minds, and one of the main reasons they decided to quit royal life in 2020.
What’s more, CostaTerra is part of Discovery Land Company, an enterprise founded by Mike Meldman, who, along with George Clooney, invested in the billion-dollar tequila company, Casamigos.
The Sussexes also have a family connection with the company.
Jack Brooksbank, the husband of Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie, works for Discovery Land Company in their marketing and sales department.
The couple already divide their time between London and Portugal along with their two sons, 3-year-old August and 16-month-old Ernest.
Not to mention, Portugal is considered one of the safest European countries to reside in. And the pristine beaches paired with sunny weather is guaranteed to make their transition from California an easy one.
However, the pair may have to work extra hard to befriend the locals in the area, some of whom were left unimpressed by news of their rumored purchase.
Prince Harry’s real name disclosed as he beats David Beckham, Ryan Reynolds in Hottest Men ranking
Prince Harry is the talk of the town once again, but this time it’s not about royal controversies—he’s been named one of the Hottest Men of All Time by Harper’s Bazaar! Outshining heavyweights like David Beckham, Ryan Reynolds, and Channing Tatum, the Duke is proving that he still hasn’t lost the charm, confidence, and charisma, he was once praised for. From classic icons to modern sensations, the list celebrates the essence of sexiness, with James Dean, Marlon Brando, and Cary Grant stealing the top spots.
Prince Harry named in the Hottest Men of All Time rankings
The Duke of Sussex was placed in the 25th position on Harper’s Bazaar’s list of the 50 hottest men who have enough star quality to charm the entire globe. He has managed to outshine Hollywood heartthrobs, a former England captain, and even a One Direction star.
The outlet highlighted his allure, stating, “Now engaged to Meghan Markle, the younger of the British princes has long been one of the most desirable bachelors in the world.” They also referenced his peak hotness during a memorable moment when he played a game of ball with a group of British children,” flaunting his charismatic appeal.
The list puts Harry higher than famous actors like Bradley Cooper at 32, Ryan Gosling at 29, Ryan Reynolds at 31, Channing Tatum at 33, and Drake at 35. Additionally, his rank surpasses that of David Beckham at 39, a constant hunk who was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2015.
Other notable names on the list include Jake Gyllenhaal, Tyson Beckford, Orlando Bloom, and former Sexiest Man Alive, John Legend.
Prince Harry’s real name discovered
Though the world knows him as Harry, many might be surprised to learn that “Harry” isn’t part of his full official name. His given name is actually Henry Charles Albert David, a name believed to have been chosen by his late mother, Princess Diana—despite the fact that he’s never gone by “Henry.”
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For example, when his engagement to Meghan Markle was announced, Kensington Palace referred to him as “His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales.” According to Express, his finances, Celebrity Net Worth reported that the Duke of Sussex and Meghan had an estimated fortune of £46 million earlier in 2024. Additionally, Harry received a financial boost from a fund set aside by his late great-grandmother when he turned 40, where it is believed he received a larger chunk compared to his brother Prince William.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are trying to ‘upstage’ each other: It’s getting ‘bad to worse’
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry seem to be drifting apart professionally. The Sussexes are reportedly in a battle for the spotlight, with experts suggesting their individual pursuits are creating a rift between them. While Harry recently made a splash on a charity trip to Lesotho and made surprise appearances on TV, Meghan has been making headlines at various events, including a gala for LA Children’s Hospital while also focusing on her lifestyle brand.
The duo, who were once inseparable with their united professional front, have not been seen together in months, sparking speculation about their marriage.
Meghan and Harry at a ‘war’ with themselves
According to Irish Star Royal expert Kinsey Schofield mentioned how the estranged Royal couple are in a battle of fame, trying to steal the limelight from each other. Meghan and Harry are “at war with themselves” the expert suggested. “I think professionally, she’s trying to upstage him, he’s trying to upstage her,” they continued. “So it goes from bad to worse.”
Despite facing backlash from royal supporters for his royal-styled trips and criticism for playing a secondary role to his wife during their Nigeria and subsequent trip, nothing has deterred Harry from carving out his own space in the world of philanthropy, honouring his late mother, Diana, along the way.
He recently took a break from his California life to embark on a solo trip to Lesotho in Africa, focused on his charity, Sentebale, and earned heaps of praise for his initiative. During his time in the UK, he attended the WellChild Awards at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel to honor sick children after opting out of a meet-and-greet with King Charles. He also made several TV appearances, including a fun horror maze segment on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, a fun side of the Duke that was missing for a long time.
Harry and Meghan’s ‘twin-track approach’
Despite their differing career trajectory, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry continue to present themselves as a united front. While there have been rumors of a “professional separation,” sources close to the couple suggest that they’re working on a “twin-track approach” to balance their individual ambitions.
Harry’s recent solo birthday celebration for his 40th sparked speculation about the state of his relationship, as he spent the day hiking with friends while the Duchess stayed back at home. However, it has been revealed that Meghan was the one who actually planned the trip for him.
There are also whispers that Harry might be considering a return to the royal fold, something Meghan may be hesitant about, given their reasons for leaving the UK. Insiders believe that, if not as a “full-time working royal,” the Duke is definitely eager to assist his ailing father, King Charles, with part-time service. PR expert Mark Borkowski suggests that Harry is “going back to basics” and re-evaluating their approach, recognizing that their “star power” hasn’t yielded the desired results.
Meanwhile, Meghan is currently focused on her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard and her Netflix cooking show.
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