Residents of Comporta, Portugal, are up in arms as their once-accessible coastline has turned into exclusive territory for the wealthy patrons of the Costa Terra beach resort, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to have snapped up a luxury holiday retreat.
Until not long ago, Portuguese law deemed it illegal to restrict access to public beaches, but recent changes to regulations now permit local councils and governmental entities to earmark particular stretches of sand as “private,” effectively sealing off many beloved spots across the Algarve which were once community staples.
Local resident Bradley McGuiness expressed dismay, stating: “Worst thing to happen to the Portuguese coast, typical greed situation. Taking land and property from locals who have been enjoying it for years.”
Another local, Andre Andrade, shared his grievance: “I am very upset by this massive piece of Portuguese land destroyed for the rich, removed from the average local that had been creating memories in this place for generations and generations.”
Disappointed, Diana Queiroz recounted, “I have been going to this place for years, camped there several times and, because of this company, this is no longer possible.”
Casamigos tequila co-founder Mike Meldman, who is a close friend of Princess Eugenie’s husband Jack Brooksbank, has been developing a luxury beachfront resort in Comporta since 2019. The resort, which is being built by Mike’s Discovery Land Company, will feature 300 homes with prices starting at a staggering £3.6million, reports the Express.
Princess Eugenie and Jack, along with their two children August, 3, and Ernest, 1, currently own a holiday property at the site, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic. The family also enjoys access to an 18-hole golf course, spa, and equestrian centre.
Madonna’s favourite stables, Cavalos na Areia, are just around the corner, and the pop icon is known to have ridden her horses on the nearby Pego beach in recent years.
Before buying property in Portugal, both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank had lived at Frogmore Cottage, a historic Grade II listed home situated on the King’s Windsor estate.
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