Meghan Markle's 'real reason' for buying £6.5m home near Princess Eugenie alongside Prince Harry

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly purchased a multi-million pound mansion in Portugal, with one royal commentator suggesting the move could see the couple rekindle their friendship with Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sparked interest with their reported purchase of a luxurious new home in Portugal. While some Royal observers believe it's an attempt to "pretend they're still royals," the actual reason is more personal for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The couple has allegedly acquired a high-end property on the Iberian coast, which could grant them a "Golden Visa" for easy travel within the EU's Schengen zone - a privilege that comes with a £6.5 million price tag. This news follows the Duke and Duchess's decision to step back from their Royal duties and return the keys to Frogmore Cottage to King Charles.

Contrary to claims about maintaining appearances, Royal commentator Angela Levin attributes the purchase to Harry's desire to be closer to Princess Eugenie, whom Meghan considers a "sister," as mentioned in his memoir 'Spare'. Angela expressed some skepticism, stating on GB News: "Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank [are] there and in Harry's book, Spare, he said Meghan and Eugenie are like sisters."

However, she also noted that Princess Eugenie had expressed a desire to return to the UK for her children's education and to be with her family.

"Is that a way they (the Sussexes) can go around various countries in Europe and pretend that they're still royals again? I don't think there's anything positive about that.", reports the Mirror.

Ms Levin remarked that while Portugal might offer "sea and sand", Meghan already has that "on her doorstep" in California, where she resides with Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, are known to have a close bond with Eugenie and Jack, who live an hour south of Lisbon at the luxurious Costa Terra Golf and Ocean Club, according to The Express.

Last year, it was reported that following the Invictus Games, Harry and Meghan enjoyed a romantic getaway to Portugal, allegedly jetting off from Dusseldorf to Lisbon and then on to Melides. At that time, rumours circulated that the Sussexes were guests of Princess Eugenie and Mr Brooksbank.

The Daily Mail cited Jose Santos, head of the Alentejo Tourism Board, confirming the visit by Harry and Meghan. Harry and Meghan's current residence is a lavish Tuscan-style villa in Montecito, boasting features such as seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, plus a cinema, gym, and library.

Their former UK home, Frogmore Cottage, was bestowed upon them by the late Queen in 2018, although it is actually part of the Crown Estate. Prince Andrew is said to have declined an offer to move from Royal Lodge to Frogmore Cottage, which King Charles took back from the Sussexes after the publication of Harry's revealing memoir, 'Spare'.

In August, there were reports that Princess Eugenie and Mr Brooksbank were considering a more permanent move back to the UK as their children neared school age. A source disclosed: "Jack's company doing so well makes it easier for them to head back to England on a more permanent basis.

"They [the family] are currently spending a lot of time in Portugal and as the boys get a bit older, they are looking for kindergartens near to their London home and eventually schools in the UK."