Harry and Meghan spark controversy with Portuguese retreat purchase
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have purchased a luxurious property in Portugal. The beachfront residence is intended to be their retreat and European home. However, residents of Comporta have some concerns about this move, and they have valid reasons.
Prince Harry and Meghan moved to the United States several years ago, but the couple has never severed their ties with Europe. Harry maintains contact with his extended family and regularly visits his homeland. Until now, during these trips, he had to stay in a hotel.
To feel more comfortable during his visits, he bought a property. Instead of choosing the United Kingdom, he invested in a luxurious home on the Atlantic Ocean coast in Portugal, in the town of Comporta near the CostaTerra resort, on the advice of friends.
Unfortunately, Prince Harry’s purchase did not occur at the best time and has angered the local community. The "Daily Mail" reports that locals have recently been protesting against a new law established by Portuguese authorities. Previously, access to the beach could not be restricted, but the new regulations allow for such restrictions.
The area where Princess Diana's son will reside with his family is particularly contentious. Critics argue that the wealthy residents will fence off private beaches, preventing people from freely walking along the shoreline.
Bradley McGuiness, one of Prince Harry's soon-to-be neighbors, expressed his opinion. On social media, he has not hidden his anger, believing that the new law is "the worst thing to happen to the Portuguese coast."
Taking land and property from locals who have been enjoying it for years - he wrote on his profile.
Andre Andrade, another resident of Comporta, is also opposed to allowing the large piece of Portuguese land to be "destroyed for the rich, removed from the average local that had been creating memories in this place for generations and generations."
Harry and Meghan can always return to the United Kingdom
Protests are intensifying, so the royal couple can hardly expect warm receptions when they arrive at their new European villa. It's also possible that protesting Portuguese will demonstratively intrude on their privacy by entering the closed beach area.
If life in Comporta becomes too difficult for them, they can always take advantage of King Charles III's standing offer to return to one of the villas in the less sunny but more welcoming United Kingdom. Given the tensions, they are unlikely to make such a decision lightly.
