Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been left with a huge dilemma after reportedly forking out £3.6 million for their sunny Portugal property.
The couple, who are living in America at the moment, have purchased the European property which has the added bonus of potentially obtaining residency and eventually EU citizenship for the Royals, which would allow them to travel freely through the European Union’s Schengen area.
However, that plan, which would be beneficial for their family, faces a huge setback as the duo would first need to get Portuguese citizenship. This involved taking a language test which is required before it is granted, meaning the Montecito-based couple would need to study in preparation, reports to The Mirror.
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According to Global Citizen Solutions, it “tests applicants’ ability to use and understand everyday language and expressions, such as talking about yourself and basic phrases you might use on a daily basis”. The website states applicants do not have to take a language test to obtain a residency permit, although they must complete it to gain citizenship and a Portuguese passport.
During a tour with Prince Harry in Columbia in August it was revealed Meghan Markle also spoke additional languages, including Spanish. For the final engagement of their four-day trip to the country, Meghan pleased crowds by translating for her husband – who couldn’t speak the language – for roaring crowds as he thanked the public for their “incredible hospitality”.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Admiring the couple on the tour, one person wrote on social media: “Love #PrinceHarry speaking Spanish, LOVE #MeghanMarkle as a translator. Love the cheers, what a visit!”
However, Harry has admitted he can’t speak any other language fluently. Although he revealed he has picked up some French and German through the years. But this won’t be good enough and the couple we need to get their head in the book if they’re to get their own “golden visa”.
The couple’s new home is reportedly in a resort around an hour’s travel to the south of Lisbon on the country’s west coast between Comporta and Melides. The destination has become a popular getaway for the rich and famous as it is untouched by tourism.
The Sussexes’ purchase comes after family members Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, bought their own property in Melides, just south of Lisbon. Pauline MacLaran, a professor and author of ‘Royal Fever: The British Monarchy in Consumer Culture’, explained: “Eugenie and Jack could have swayed Harry and Meghan’s decision to buy a home close by.
“I would think this will have greatly influenced their purchase and will provide them with a familiar friendship circle for their stays there, as well as a chance for their children to get to know their second cousins.”
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