Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new Portugal pad could be used as a “back up plan” if Donald Trump becomes President and kicks Harry, 40, out of the US.
Fears that the Duke of Sussex may lose his right to live in the country comes after rows about his visa continue following his admission of his past drug use in the 2023 memoir Spare.
The Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, believe Harry’s visa could have been treated differently to that of ordinary citizens, with some people being banned from entering the country if they are found to have been drug users presently or in the past.
With Trump and Harry reportedly disliking each other, fears have risen that the duke may have to leave America and his Montecito mansion, despite the fact Meghan is an American citizen.
Royal pundit Hugo Vickers said: “I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Trump suddenly said ‘Right, I’m sending Prince Harry out of this country.’
“I think it’s very wise to take all the possibilities into account [and look to live elsewhere].
“Looking at it from the outside, it makes perfect sense that they should have a backup plan.”
However, another royal expert believes that even though the couple have reportedly purchased a holiday home in Portugal, not far from Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie, this will never be a permanent home for the couple.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams exclusively told Express.co.uk: “I don’t think that the home in Portugal is intended as a permanent base to replace California.
“Harry was extremely foolish to discuss his drug taking in Spare both in interviews and in the memoir, available in paperback. However, the Sussexes have kept a relatively low profile during the Election, urging Americans to vote but not being explicit as to whom for.
“At one time it was thought that Meghan might enter politics but we have seen no sign of this.
“It is most unlikely that Trump would risk an embarrassing episode involving the royal family by expelling Harry, if it was discovered that he had not revealed his drug taking on his Visa application.”