Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made Portugal a favorite destination for family vacations in recent years, and a new report has revealed the heartfelt reason behind their repeated trips.
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According to People, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex cherish the European getaway because it gives Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, the chance to enjoy something increasingly rare for the children of two of the world’s most recognizable public figures.
© @meghanAccording to a new report, Archie and Lilibet are able to “simply be kids” during the family’s time in Portugal.
“They love Portugal because Archie and Lilibet can simply be kids,” a source told the publication. “It’s always very low-key with beach days, playing and spending time together as a family.”
© Meghan Markle/IGPrince Harry, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet enjoyed a beach day during the family’s recent vacation.
The insight comes just days after Meghan shared a rare glimpse into the family’s latest summer vacation.
In an Instagram carousel captioned “Summer Holiday,” the Duchess posted photos of herself, Harry and their two children enjoying time by the ocean, including a candid moment of Harry running toward the water with Archie and Lilibet while Meghan watched from the shore.
Why Portugal has become so important to the Sussex family:
Privacy has long been one of Harry and Meghan’s top priorities, particularly when it comes to raising their children away from the spotlight. Portugal has offered exactly that.
© Meghan Markle/IGThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly value Portugal for the privacy it offers their young family.
The family is believed to have spent time in Melides, an increasingly popular coastal destination often referred to as the “Hamptons of Portugal” thanks to its pristine beaches, luxury properties and laid-back atmosphere.
The Sussexes have vacationed in the country for several years, and in 2024 multiple outlets reported that they had purchased a home in Portugal. While the couple have never publicly confirmed those reports, the country has continued to serve as a regular retreat where they can enjoy uninterrupted family time.
© Meghan Markle/IGPrince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to make Portugal a favorite destination for family vacations with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
According to the source those quiet moments together remain a priority. “That kind of normal family time is really important to Harry and Meghan,” the insider said.
Meghan’s latest vacation photos sparked fresh interest:
Meghan’s recent Instagram post gave royal watchers another rare look at Archie and Lilibet, who have largely been kept out of the public eye since the family stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
© Getty ImagesThe Sussexes have returned to Portugal several times in recent years for quiet family vacations.
The beach photos also caught attention for another reason. Royal fans noted that Meghan’s elegant black backless one-piece swimsuit echoed a silhouette frequently worn by Princess Diana during her own vacations in the 1990s, drawing subtle comparisons between the Duchess and Harry’s late mother.
© Meghan Markle/IGPrince Harry and Prince Archie walk through the grounds of Althorp House carrying bouquets of flowers, with Princess Lilibet following behind during the family’s emotional visit.
The Portugal getaway followed another significant family milestone. Earlier this month, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet traveled to the United Kingdom for the first time in years as Harry carried out engagements related to the 2027 Invictus Games. During the visit, the family also reportedly had a private reunion with King Charles, marking another step in the ongoing efforts to rebuild family ties.