Prince Harry trusts just one royal as he paves the way to heal royal rift with new move
With the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly purchased a property in Portugal, it is clear that they are determined to remain close with one member of Prince Harry's family in particular. Despite everything that has happened over the last four years, the Prince has maintained his tight bond with his cousin, Princess Eugenie.
The pair have always been very close, and, as Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank already own a property in Portugal, this move will provide the perfect opportunity for the cousins - and their children - to see much more of one another. With the Princess managing to avoid taking sides - as she was asked by the Prince of Wales to join him to host a garden party - a royal expert suggests she could be the bridge the royals need.
"Eugenie undoubtedly does have something of a challenge on her hands to maintain good relationships with both Harry and Meghan - and the rest of the Royal Family," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively tells OK! "But I think the King is probably happy that Harry still has at least one royal cousin he clearly trusts, and presumably wants to see more of.
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"The family are all so busy that they don’t really see that much of one another. However, I think it’s a positive thing that Charles does have someone he can quietly ask about Harry‘s well-being, if he is so inclined. And Harry can presumably gauge the mood of the family via Eugenie.
"Any reconciliation – which at this stage still seems unlikely – has to start somewhere and with someone. And that person could possibly be Eugenie… but don’t hold your breath."
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It isn't only Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie who would benefit from the move as Jennie points out that both Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet would be able to build relationships with members of their father's family, and play with Eugenie and Jack's sons, August and Ernest Brooksbank.
"I think it perhaps suggests that they DO want their children to know at least some of their UK family," Jennie says. "It will be good for Archie and Lilibet to spend time with their little cousins, and Eugenie will remain an important link between Harry and the rest of his family."
Questioning the couple's decision to actually buy a property in Portugal, the expert adds: "I don’t know quite why they feel they need to BUY a place, especially given that Harry has complained about lack of money in the past, rather than just stay with Jack and Eugenie or rent a place, but it suggests that they intend to spend more time on this side of the Atlantic.
"And that’s a positive move because it implies that the children won’t be solely immersed in American culture and will have a better understanding of their European roots."
The news of the move to Portugal comes after Harry and Meghan vacated Frogmore Cottage in the UK last year following a request from King Charles. This left the Sussexes without a place of their own in the UK, having moved to California, where they now live with their two children.
They had previously been gifted the property on Windsor Estate by the late Queen soon after they got married in 2018. They moved into the home as newlyweds the following year and lived there until they stepped down from the Royal Family in 2020. They handed the keys back in 2023.
