Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Keep Returning to Portugal with Archie and Lilibet
In Meghan's new photos, the family was seen enjoying beach days, strolling through colorful local markets, visiting small shops, and eating at neighborhood restaurants in Portugal.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently gave royal fans a rare glimpse into their private family life. Markle took to Instagram to share photos of her summer getaway. The pictures revealed that the family has been spending quality time together away from the public eye in their holiday home in Portugal.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to Portugal ahead of their UK return. On July 23, Markle shared a carousel on Instagram and captioned it, "summer holiday." In the photos, the family was seen enjoying beach days, strolling through colorful local markets, visiting small shops, and eating at neighborhood restaurants. As per a source, Harry and Markle wish to give their kids a conventional childhood, and Portugal helps them be 'just kids.'
In a conversation with PEOPLE, a source shared that Portugal has become one of the Sussexes' favorite destinations because it allows them to enjoy a quieter life away from media attention. “They love Portugal because Archie and Lilibet can simply be kids.” They continued, “It’s always very low-key with beach days, playing and spending time together as a family. That kind of normal family time is really important to Harry and Meghan.”
Although Harry and Markle have never publicly confirmed it, reports have suggested for several years that they own a vacation home near the CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club on Portugal's Alentejo coast. Portugal holds even more significance for the Sussexes because of Harry's family connections. His cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, divide their time between the U.K. and Portugal after Brooksbank accepted a job there in 2022. The couple also own a home in the CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club community.
In her photo dump, Markle also included other snaps of their visit to the U.K, where she, Harry and the kids reportedly paid a visit to Princess Diana's resting place. The family also reunited with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House during their U.K. visit. It marked Charles' first meeting with Archie and Lilibet in more than four years.
