The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are living the American dream in Montecito, California, with a sprawling estate to call home with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. In 2023, the royal couple officially gave back the keys to their UK base, Frogmore Cottage, but in the same year, they made a quiet purchase – a beautiful bolthole in Portugal.
We have yet to see their European holiday home, but we do know that changes are afoot. The MailOnline reports that their property is undergoing a design overhaul – and there’s a reason that it’s super special. Harry and Meghan have brought in designers from Soho House, their favourite members’ club where they first met, to spearhead the transformation.
Harry and Meghan’s US home
The Portuguese residence was reportedly acquired for a whopping £6.3 million in 2023 and now the couple will be spending thousands, if not millions, redecorating. It’s unknown what type of property it is, but in the US, they have a mansion that’s been created to look like a French chateau, so perhaps they have been drawn to a more traditional abode. Soho House’s signature style is all about luxurious layering. The website reads: “Layering is a huge part of the Soho House approach to design…We use different styles together all the time.”
© InstagramThe Duchess of Sussex shared a peek inside their family Father’s Day celebrations at their home, Chateau of Riven Rock
Harry and Meghan’s Soho House connection
The royal duo had their first-ever top-secret date in the exclusive Soho House on 76 Dean Street, and since then, the luxury club has been prominent in their relationship. In 2025, Meghan’s brand As Ever collaborated with Soho House and the Duchess called it a “full circle” moment. She wrote online: “Talk about a dull circle moment! In my old stomping ground of West Hollywood, with a brand, family and friends that have been part of my life for so long… also a part of my love story with H (since our very first date was at a SH restaurant).”
© NetflixThe couple had their first two dates at Soho House
Why have Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chosen Portugal?
© Getty ImagesPortugal is a stunning country
The Sussexes have a very good relationship with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s daughter, Princess Eugenie, who spends half of the year in Portugal, which could be one of the reasons that this location was chosen. Also, the European destination has a temperate climate, something that they will be very accustomed to in sunny USA. Then, there’s also the proximity to the UK, if they do wish to be building bridges and integrating with the royal family again.