Prince Harry’s latest move could be an attempt to grow closer to the Royal Family again, King Charles’s former butler has claimed.
The Duke of Sussex reportedly recently brought a holiday home in Portugal with his wife Meghan Markle, just three hours away from the UK by plane.
The home, which has reportedly not been built yet, is one of the residences at the 722-acre CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, not far from a property owned by his cousin Princess Eugenie.
While Harry is reportedly happy in California, where he lives in a nine-bed Montecito mansion, the former butler of King Charles believes this new property purchase could be the Duke’s attempt to get closer to his family in the UK after years of rifts, worsened by the release of his Spare memoir just last year.
Speaking to the New York Post, Grant Harrold, who served the King when he was the Prince of Wales from 2004 to 2011, said: “I’ve always said that I think Harry’s relationship with the royals will improve over time.
“It’s been quiet for quite a while which is a good sign, so I think any move to Europe – even if it’s not the UK, Portugal is not that far – could mean that it’s easier for Harry to spend more time in his home the UK and it’s quite possible it’s a sign that he is getting closer to his family again.
“All the younger royals I’m guessing would love to go out to Portugal to visit them if they do move, so I would imagine we would see some of the family members visiting Harry and Meghan – as well as a few of their celebrity friends, no doubt.”
Speculation the couple had brought the holiday home arose soon after Harry’s solo tour, which saw the prince visit the UK alone while Meghan stayed at home in Montecito with their two children Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
During his tour, a body language expert noted that the prince seemed to have returned to a “princely” role – something he has not done since quitting life as a senior member of the Royal Family in 2020.
Expert Judi James exclusively told Express.co.uk at the time: “This is a very royal-looking appearance from Harry, whose body language use of pace, energy, and relaxed-looking charm makes him appear delighted to be back in the UK, even for a fleeting visit.”
While it is unlikely the prince will return to his royal role, his recent visits to the UK suggest a willingness to be closer to the UK and see his family more often.
Royal commentators believe this will likely be made easier by having this nearby Portugal pad.
