Reason behind Harry, Meghan’s Portugal property move

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Picture: Eddie Mulholland – WPA Pool/Getty Images

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Prince Harry revealed he and wife Meghan Markle have no plans to return to the UK.

Speaking at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit, the Duke of Sussex, 40, opened up about his wish to stay in the US, citing concerns about security and their children’s future, Prince Archie, five, and three-year-old Princess Lilibet.

“I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here,” the royal told the summit as reported by The Sun.

The Prince added that there are activities he can do with his children that he “undoubtedly wouldn’t be able to do in the UK”

Harry said his focus now is on “being the best husband and the best dad that I can be”.

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Prince Harry speaks during the New York Times annual DealBook summit. Picture: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

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Harry revealed he and wife Meghan Markle have no plans to return to the UK. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their children Archie & Lilibet in their 2021 Christmas card.

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The news comes after Harry and Meghan, 43, were rumoured to have snapped up a luxe property in Portugal.

The couple reportedly splurged more than $US4.7 million ($A7.2 million) on a yet-to-be-constructed home at CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, a luxury development of 300 properties on the Atlantic Ocean in the small town of Melides, about 130km south of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

The Sussexes moved to Montecito, California in 2020 after stepping down as “senior members of the Royal Family”.

They currently live in an £11 million ($A20.9 million) mansion, which boasts nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a pool and a tennis court.

“Buying in Portugal is a shrewd move for Meghan,” a source told Closer magazine.

“She’s deeply concerned that the Royal Family might manipulate Harry into reintegrating without her, so she needs to be proactive to make sure she’s not isolated or pushed to the sidelines.

“Now, if it is deemed safe from a security standpoint, it’s likely she’ll give her blessing for Harry to take Archie and Lilibet to see their grandpa, King Charles, at some point.

“And in terms of logistics, having a place in Portugal will make that easier, because Meghan can fly over with the kids without feeling trapped.”

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Harry and Meghan reportedly bought a house in Portugal. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation

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The Sussexes’ massive nine-bedroom Montecito home has 16 bathrooms, a pool and a tennis court. Supplied

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Meghan has returned to the UK just twice since the Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020.

Both of the visits were in 2022, with the first being the late Queen’s Jubilee and then her funeral.

Harry has made several solo trips back to the UK this year alone – but remains estranged from the Firm.

He is also continuing to press ahead with a legal battle against the Home Office over his taxpayer-funded security to ensure his family’s safety.

In September the Duke made a solo trip to attend the WellChild Awards where he met seriously ill youngsters and their families.

During the whistle stop visit he did not meet up with Prince William and King Charles, according to reports.

The couple are said to have splashed out on the home in Portugal after being asked to vacate their former UK home Frogmore Cottage by King Charles two years ago.

According to the Daily Mail, the purchase may allow the Sussexes to acquire a “Golden Visa”, where they would have access to the European Union’s Schengen area.

Parts of this story first appeared in The Sun and were republished with permission.