The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly spending their summer holiday in Europe with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This European break comes as Prince Harry prepares for a visit to the UK next month for the Invictus Games, with the attendance of his wife and children remaining uncertain.
Given the couple's past European travels, several potential destinations are being considered. One possibility is Portugal, where reports suggest the Sussexes have purchased a second property. This location is also home to Harry's cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband Jack Brooksbank.
Another sentimental option is the South of France. The couple previously stayed in an exclusive villa in Nice shortly after the birth of their son in 2019. The region holds memories for them, and Elton John, a close friend, owns a mansion in Nice that the Sussexes have visited. John previously covered the carbon footprint of their flights to and from the French Riviera.
Prince Harry is expected to travel to the UK early next month for the countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham. He had initially intended to bring his family, but uncertainty surrounds whether Archie and Lilibet will accompany him. The children have not seen their grandfather since their last trip to Britain in June 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Reports indicate Harry is displeased with the denial of his request for a review of their police protection, reportedly blaming his father's aides.
Past European holidays have also included a reported stay at George and Amal Clooney's villa on Lake Como, Italy, in 2018. The luxurious estate features numerous amenities, and the local council implemented special regulations to protect the celebrity residents' privacy. Additionally, in 2019, Meghan celebrated her birthday at a high-end villa in Ibiza, equipped with extensive staff and services. The Sussexes reportedly declined an invitation from the late Queen Elizabeth II to holiday at Balmoral in Scotland that year, citing Archie's young age.
Regarding Portugal, reports in 2024 indicated the Sussexes purchased a property in Melides, an area described as the 'Hamptons of Portugal' due to its affluent residents, including Gisele Bündchen and Princess Eugenie. Melides is known for its secluded beaches and high-end amenities. Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank have owned a property in the area since 2022 and divide their time between Portugal and London.