Meghan Markle is reportedly becoming increasingly interested in spending more time in Portugal, with Princess Eugenie said to be one of the royal relatives she would particularly like to keep close. As speculation grows about the Sussexes’ future lifestyle in Europe, their existing connection to Portugal appears to be taking on greater importance.

Princess Eugenie, Prince Harry’s cousin and the younger daughter of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, recently announced the arrival of her third child in Lisbon. The birth reportedly took place in the Portuguese capital, only a short distance from the family’s property on the Alentejo coast. The development has highlighted just how closely connected Eugenie and her family have become to the country.

According to reports attributed to a royal source, Portugal has provided Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, with something of a refuge during a difficult period for her wider family. With continuing controversy surrounding her parents, having a home away from the UK gives the couple an opportunity to enjoy greater privacy and distance from the pressures surrounding the Royal Family.

Eugenie’s presence in Portugal may also be particularly appealing to Harry and Meghan. The Sussexes reportedly own a property in the country as well, giving them a potential base in Europe that is separate from their main home in the United States. Their Portuguese residence has reportedly already been used as a family retreat.

Harry and Meghan are said to have spent time at the property with their children, Archie and Lilibet, before returning to Britain for their reported reunion with King Charles and Queen Camilla. Their experience in Portugal appears to have left a strong impression on Meghan, who is reportedly considering whether the country could become more than simply a vacation destination.

An insider quoted in reports claimed that the Sussexes found their time in Portugal refreshing and energizing. According to the source, Meghan returned from the trip enthusiastic about spending significantly more time there. The quiet surroundings and relative seclusion reportedly gave the family an opportunity to step away from the constant public attention that often follows them in the United States and Britain.

Privacy appears to be one of the biggest attractions. The Portuguese property is reportedly situated in a secluded location, providing Harry, Meghan, and their children with a greater sense of peace. For a family whose personal lives have been closely examined by the international media, the ability to spend time together away from intense scrutiny could be especially valuable.

The proximity of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank may make the arrangement even more appealing. Harry and Eugenie have maintained a friendship over the years, and the Sussexes are reportedly comfortable spending time with Eugenie and her husband. Having relatives nearby could give Harry and Meghan a stronger social and family connection while living part-time in Portugal.

The country also offers another major advantage: its geographical proximity to the United Kingdom. Compared with California, Portugal is considerably closer to Britain, making travel between the Sussexes’ European base and London much easier. That could be particularly attractive following Harry’s recent efforts to maintain a closer relationship with his father.

A Portuguese base could potentially allow Harry and Meghan to make more frequent trips to Britain while still maintaining a degree of distance from the pressures of living there permanently. It could also give their children greater opportunities to spend time with their British relatives, including their grandfather, King Charles.

According to the reports, Meghan is particularly enthusiastic about the idea of making Portugal a part-time home. Rather than using the property only for holidays, she is said to be considering a lifestyle in which the family spends substantial periods of the year there. Such an arrangement would allow the Sussexes to divide their time between the United States, Portugal, and the UK.

However, turning that idea into reality may depend heavily on the couple’s financial circumstances. Reports have raised questions about the Sussexes’ long-term income and business prospects, particularly as their existing entertainment agreements evolve. Their financial commitments and the costs associated with maintaining multiple homes could also influence whether a more permanent European lifestyle is practical.

The future of the Sussexes’ relationship with Netflix has been another subject of speculation. Their original multi-year agreement attracted enormous attention when it was announced, but questions have since emerged about what their next phase of commercial projects might look like. At the same time, Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, remains a key part of her independent business ambitions.

If the couple were to establish Portugal as a regular home base, the financial implications would need to be carefully considered. Maintaining residences in different countries, traveling frequently, and supporting an international family lifestyle can be extremely expensive. Consequently, enthusiasm for a European move may ultimately depend on whether their business activities generate enough income to support the arrangement.

Harry has also faced substantial legal expenses in connection with his privacy battles in Britain. His legal disputes with sections of the British press have attracted significant attention, and an unfavorable outcome in one of his cases has reportedly left him facing considerable costs. Reports have claimed that Associated Newspapers Limited sought a substantial reimbursement of legal expenses following the proceedings.

The financial consequences of such legal disputes could add another layer of complexity to the Sussexes’ future plans. While the couple remains financially independent from the Royal Family, major legal bills and the costs of maintaining a multinational lifestyle could affect their decisions about where they spend their time.

Despite these uncertainties, Portugal appears to offer several advantages that fit the lifestyle Harry and Meghan have pursued since leaving their senior royal roles. The country provides privacy, European access, favorable surroundings, and proximity to members of Harry’s extended family. For Meghan in particular, it may represent a balance between maintaining independence and staying connected to Britain.

Princess Eugenie’s presence could be an important part of that equation. Having a trusted royal relative nearby could make the transition more comfortable and provide the Sussexes with a familiar connection to Harry’s family. Their reported friendship could also make Portugal feel less like a foreign destination and more like a shared family environment.

Ultimately, the idea of Portugal becoming a part-time home for Harry and Meghan remains speculative. The couple has not publicly confirmed plans to relocate or establish the country as their primary European base. Much will depend on their family priorities, professional commitments, financial circumstances, and relationship with relatives in Britain.

Nevertheless, their existing property and reported enjoyment of the country suggest that Portugal could continue to play an important role in the Sussexes’ future. With Princess Eugenie and her family nearby and the UK only a relatively short journey away, the country offers Harry and Meghan a unique combination of privacy, family connections, and access to Europe.

For Meghan, the prospect may represent more than a simple change of scenery. Portugal could potentially provide a peaceful retreat, a convenient European base, and a way for the Sussex family to remain closer to Harry’s relatives without returning to life in Britain full-time. Whether that vision becomes a long-term reality, however, will depend on circumstances that remain uncertain.