Residents of Comporta, Portugal, are expressing frustration as their once-accessible coastline is increasingly becoming exclusive to wealthy property owners, following reports that Prince Harry
and Meghan Markle have acquired a holiday home in the luxurious CostaTerra beach resort. This news, initially reported by the Daily Mail, was later shared by Express.co.uk.
New regulations are allowing local councils to designate certain beaches as “private,” which has led to the closure of natural spots that locals have enjoyed for generations. Many residents feel shut out as these popular areas become inaccessible due to developments catering to the rich.
Local resident Bradley McGuiness voiced his concerns to Express.co.uk, stating, “It’s the worst thing to happen to the Portuguese coast, a typical situation of greed. Land and property are being taken away from locals who have cherished these spaces for years.”
Another resident, André Andrade, shared similar feelings, expressing, "I’m very upset by this. A large part of Portuguese land has been destroyed for the wealthy, removed from the average local who has built memories here for generations.”
Diana Queiroz, another local, lamented, "I have been coming to this place for years, even camping here, but because of this new development, that’s no longer possible."
Adding to the controversy, Diário de Notícias has speculated that the couple's purchase may have allowed them to obtain Golden visas, granting them access to the Schengen area, a particular benefit for Meghan Markle, a U.S. citizen.
Harry and Meghan aren’t the only British royals with ties to Portugal. Prince Harry's cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband Jack Brooksbank also own property at the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, a luxurious 300-property beachfront development in Melides. The couple reportedly split their time between Portugal and London with their two children.
Last year, reports surfaced that Harry and Meghan enjoyed a “romantic three-night break” in Melides, further fueling interest in their connection to the region. José Santos, president of Turismo do Alentejo, confirmed the couple's brief stay at CostaTerra, adding, “We have no idea how many high-profile individuals from cinema, royalty, and the arts visit us, as they highly value the privacy and discretion they can find in Alentejo—something unmatched elsewhere in Europe.”
The increasing exclusivity of the area has left locals feeling sidelined, as access to beloved coastal spaces becomes a privilege only for the affluent. Photo by muffinn from Worcester, UK, Wikimedia commons.