Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, now based in Montecito, California, with their children Archie and Lilibet, continue to live a life distanced from the Royal Family.
This separation followed their decision to step back from royal duties in January 2020. However, their recent purchase of a property in Portugal has sparked speculation about its implications for their ties to the monarchy.
Despite being sixth and seventh in line to the throne, Archie and Lilibet have had minimal interaction with their royal relatives, including King Charles, Prince William, Princess Kate, and their cousins George, Charlotte, and Louis. Royal commentator Jennie Bond highlighted the significance of the Portugal home, noting its potential to foster a connection between Archie, Lilibet, and Princess Eugenie’s sons, August and Ernest, as the Brooksbank family splits their time between the UK and Portugal.
Speaking to OK!, Jennie expressed optimism about the Sussex children forming bonds with at least some royal cousins. Yet, she also described the situation as bittersweet. “It can only be good for the children to mix with at least some of their royal cousins,” she said. “How curious, and sad, it will be for Archie and Lilibet if they grow up knowing they are part of one of the most famous families in the world — and yet they are estranged from almost all of them. To know that their grandfather and uncle were both Kings, and they didn’t know them.”
Fallout and Lingering Tensions
Since leaving royal life, Harry and Meghan have openly criticized members of the monarchy through high-profile platforms, including their Oprah Winfrey interview, Netflix series, and Harry’s memoir, Spare. These revelations have deepened the rift with Harry’s family, particularly with his brother, Prince William, who is reported to have severed ties.
Adding to the complexity, royal expert Tom Quinn suggested that Meghan might harbor concerns about her children’s future perception of these strained relationships. Speaking to The Mirror, Quinn revealed: “Meghan worries her children will blame her for their lack of relationship with their paternal grandparents and cousins.”
While Meghan has stated she has no intention of returning to the UK, Quinn noted the unpredictability of such decisions: “Never say never, because it will come back to haunt you… A friend of Meghan’s told me she misses some aspects of life in the UK and worries that her children may feel deprived as adults of what might have been a meaningful existence in the UK as working royals.”
A Bridge to the Future?
The couple’s decision to invest in Portugal could represent a step toward reconnecting with the broader royal family, albeit indirectly. Whether this will lead to closer ties remains uncertain, but for Archie and Lilibet, the chance to bond with some of their royal relatives could be an important first step toward mending the divide.