Where Could Harry and Meghan Be Spending Their European Summer Holiday? From Their Reported Portuguese Home to a Cherished French Escape

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are believed to be enjoying a summer vacation somewhere in Europe with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Although the exact destination has not been revealed, speculation has grown about where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may have chosen to spend their family holiday.

Over the years, the couple has frequently traveled to various European locations, making several destinations likely contenders for this year’s getaway. Since relocating to Montecito, California, Harry and Meghan have continued to maintain close ties with Europe, often selecting private and luxurious retreats for family vacations.

One of the strongest possibilities is Portugal, where reports have suggested the couple purchased a second home. Their property is believed to be located near Melides, an exclusive coastal area where Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, also own a residence.

Another potential destination is the South of France, which carries special significance for the Sussexes. Shortly after the birth of Prince Archie in 2019, the family enjoyed a memorable stay at an exclusive villa near Nice, making the region a sentimental choice for future vacations.

Following their European holiday, Prince Harry is expected to travel to the United Kingdom next month as preparations begin for the upcoming Invictus Games in Birmingham. Initially, he reportedly hoped Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet would accompany him during the visit.

However, uncertainty remains over whether the family will travel to Britain together. Archie and Lilibet have not visited the UK since June 2022, when they attended Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and spent time with members of the Royal Family.

Reports indicate that Prince Harry remains frustrated after his latest request for a review of his family’s police protection arrangements in Britain was rejected shortly before his planned visit. According to sources, he believes senior royal advisers—often referred to as the “men in grey suits”—played a role in the decision, further straining already difficult relationships.

For now, though, the Sussex family appears to be taking a well-earned break, enjoying quality time together before Harry’s upcoming public engagements.

Italy: A Return to Lake Como?

Italy is another destination that could easily have attracted the Sussexes this summer. The couple has fond memories of visiting Lake Como in 2018, where they reportedly stayed with Hollywood actor George Clooney and his wife, international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.

The visit took place shortly after Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding and was surrounded by significant security measures. Italian media reported that local police organized an extensive protection operation to ensure the couple’s privacy throughout their stay at Villa Oleandra, Clooney’s famous lakeside estate.

George and Amal, who attended the Sussexes’ wedding at Windsor Castle, were spending time at the villa with their twins, Alexander and Ella. During the visit, Italian magazine Chi claimed Meghan happily helped care for the young children, while Harry and George enjoyed basketball games with friends.

The gathering also included an elegant gala dinner hosted by Clooney for around 15 guests. According to reports, the evening’s celebrations continued well into the early hours, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of the exclusive holiday.

George Clooney purchased Villa Oleandra in the picturesque village of Laglio in 2002 after falling in love with the Italian lakeside region. At the time, he reportedly paid around £10 million for the historic 18th-century estate.

The impressive property includes 25 rooms, a private outdoor theater, a swimming pool, beautifully landscaped gardens, a tennis court, a fully equipped fitness center, and a dedicated pizza room. Ornately decorated ceilings, luxurious bathrooms, and extensive garage space for Clooney’s motorcycle collection further highlight the estate’s remarkable features. A specially constructed wall also protects the house from rising lake waters.

Lake Como has long been associated with luxury living and celebrity residents. Among Clooney’s well-known neighbors is renowned fashion designer Donatella Versace. Due to Clooney’s international profile, local authorities even introduced special regulations to help safeguard his privacy from tourists and photographers.

Portugal: The Sussexes’ Reported Second Home

Among all the possible destinations, Portugal appears to be one of the most likely choices for the family’s summer holiday.

In 2024, reports emerged claiming Harry and Meghan purchased a property valued at approximately £6.3 million in Melides, an increasingly fashionable coastal town located around an hour south of Lisbon. The purchase reportedly followed a romantic five-night stay the couple enjoyed in the region during 2023.

Once known primarily as a quiet fishing village, Melides has transformed into one of Portugal’s most desirable luxury destinations. Its growing reputation has earned it the nickname “the Hamptons of Portugal,” thanks to its pristine beaches, upscale lifestyle, and impressive list of celebrity homeowners.

Among its famous residents are supermodel Gisele Bündchen and Princess Eugenie, whose close friendship with Harry and Meghan has often been highlighted in media reports.

Like New York’s Hamptons, Melides offers wide sandy beaches, sophisticated restaurants, art galleries, boutique shopping, and world-class wellness retreats. The peaceful surroundings also provide privacy that appeals to high-profile visitors seeking to avoid public attention.

The region’s coastline stretches for approximately 40 miles, offering expansive beaches that remain relatively uncrowded compared with many Mediterranean destinations. The area has also been praised for its excellent surfing conditions, making it especially attractive to Prince Harry, who has long enjoyed surfing as one of his favorite outdoor activities.

Travel experts have increasingly recognized Melides as one of Europe’s fastest-rising luxury destinations. In 2022, Condé Nast Traveller described it as “Portugal’s next major beach town,” highlighting a wave of stylish new beach clubs and hospitality developments.

Luxury travel platform Mr & Mrs Smith has similarly praised Melides, describing it as an idyllic retreat where visitors can enjoy miles of untouched beaches, scenic cycling routes through protected natural landscapes, charming villages, and exceptionally fresh seafood.

The area’s growing popularity has also influenced its property market. According to Portuguese newspaper Olive Press, housing prices in Melides increased by approximately 150 percent during the first quarter of 2023 as wealthy international buyers and celebrities invested in local real estate.

Its status as a celebrity destination was further reinforced in 2023 when renowned shoe designer Christian Louboutin opened his luxury five-star hotel, Vermelho, adding another prestigious attraction to the area.

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank have owned a property within the exclusive CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club development since 2022. Brooksbank also works in marketing and sales for CostaTerra, while the couple divide their time between Portugal and London with their sons, August and Ernest.

Given the Sussexes’ reported investment in Melides, their close relationship with Princess Eugenie, and the area’s exceptional privacy, Portugal remains one of the strongest candidates for where Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet may be enjoying their European summer holiday.