EXCLUSIVE: Prince Harry and Meghan’s latest holiday home purchase in Portugal is “raising eyebrows” in royal circles, and shows a desire for independence, an expert has claimed.

Reports suggest Harry and Meghan have forked out £3.6million for their Portugal property (Image: Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s reported new purchase of a holiday home in sunny Portugal “won’t be a major factor” in healing or worsening relations between the duo and the wider Royal Family, a PR expert claims.

Reports suggest Harry and Meghan have forked out £3.6million for their Portugal property in a resort dubbed the “Hamptons of Portugal” located just an hour’s drive south of Lisbon on Portugal’s west coast, between Comporta and Melides.

Despite this being a sign of “increasing independence”, the couple is said to have already created “so much distance” between themselves and the Firm already that it is unlikely to change a thing.

PR guru, Edward Coram James, chief executive of Go Up, told the Express: “I think it’s unlikely to directly affect relations with King Charles and Prince William. Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the rest of the royal family has been strained for years now. A home in Portugal probably won’t be a major factor in healing or worsening the situation.

“They’ve already created so much distance — geographically and emotionally — so this move could just be another sign of their increasing independence.”

Reports suggest the couple forked £3.6m for their Portugal home (Image: Getty)

The expert added the move could look like the Montecito-based duo are “turning their backs” further on the UK.

He explained: “That said, if the purchase is seen as yet another example of their desire to remain outside the ‘royal bubble,’ it could raise eyebrows within royal circles. It could look like Meghan and Harry ‘turning their backs’ further on the UK — although I don’t think this is true.”

He added: “Harry has repeatedly emphasised that the UK, and particularly his role as a part of his mother’s legacy, is important to him.”

The Sussexes’ purchase of the property was said to have been prompted by Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, who also own a home in Melides, just south of Lisbon.

The resort where Harry’s new property is located, CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club,is owned by multimillionaire property tycoon Mike Meldman. Eugenie’s husband, Jack, works for Mike’s Discovery Land Company, which specialises in building luxurious private golf and residential holiday communities across the globe.

Edward further added: “Eugenie and Jack are settled and enjoying life there [In Portugal], they might have talked up the location to Harry and Meghan, maybe even recommending the exact area. After all, it’s one thing to move to a new country, but knowing family is nearby can make the transition so much easier.”

Harry has repeatedly emphasised his role as part of his mother’s legacy is important to him (Image: Getty)

As Meghan expands her new brand ‘American Riviera Orchard’, having a European base may be of future benefit to the Sussexes.

Meghan has not yet officially launched her brand, and the landing page on her website only shows a space to subscribe to the wait list and a link to the brand’s Instagram account.

Looking at the business perspective, Edward explained: “A European base would make it easier to travel to European countries and engage in philanthropy, media deals, and speaking engagements without the logistical challenges of flying in all the way from Montecito!”

Edward said: “Plus, being in Europe could also help them foster relationships with media and entertainment contacts in places like London and Paris.

“Hollywood and European cinema have overlapping interests, and their brand might find new opportunities with a closer proximity to these cultural hubs.”