Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's bold move over Archie and Lilibet's future - with one hope

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to buy a home abroad has been seen as a sign that they wish to integrate aspects of a European way of life into their children's futures

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to buy a property in Portugal is seen as a clear sign that they want to incorporate elements of European lifestyle into their children's upbringing. Despite being sixth and seventh in line to the throne, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have spent minimal time in the UK and consequently, haven't had much interaction with their royal cousins.

However, with the possibility of spending more time in Portugal, a top royal expert believes the couple's kids will benefit the most from this bold move. "It may well be that with Donald Trump back in the White House, Harry and Meghan might spend more time in their Portugal house, at least in the school holidays," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!

This move could potentially strengthen the bond between the Sussex children and Princess Eugenie's sons, August and Ernest Brooksbank, as the family already divides their time between the UK and Portugal.

The fact that Archie and Lilibet will be able to connect with their father's side of the family is applauded by Jennie, who adds: "It can only be good for the children to mix with at least some of their royal cousins."

"How curious, and sad, it will be for Archie and Lilibet if they grow up knowing they are part of one of the most famous families in the world — and yet they are estranged from almost all of them. To know that their grandfather and uncle were both Kings, and they didn’t know them."

She continues, explaining Harry and Meghan's apparent hope for the future: "The Portugal house does suggest that Harry and Meghan want the children to experience European culture, and get to know Eugenie’s kids. Perhaps we shall finally see some pictures of the Sussex brood, playing with their cousins. But, by now, they must be steeped in the Californian way of life and sound like proper little Americans."

This comes after leading royal expert, Richard Fitzwilliams, called the couple's move "extremely significant". "This is a surprise and is extremely significant. We have known that Harry and Meghan and Eugenie and her husband Jack have been close for years," said the expert commentator to FeMail.

"They moved into Frogmore Cottage when the Sussexes vacated it and have reportedly seen each other in California and in Portugal, where Jack works."

"This proves they are close and it also gives the Sussexes a base in the EU with the possibility of acquiring the Golden Visa which would give them free access to the EU’s Schengen area. This also gives them a base near Britain. It makes clear that they are connected closely to part of the Royal family and it will be interesting to see how they intend to develop this."

Richard commented on the potential impact for Archie and Lilibet, noting: "It will certainly involve their children and we may see photos of Archie and Lili, in the future, possibly the distant future, we may well see them with Eugenie and Jack and their family. This move obviously advertises that the couples are close."

Harry's affectionate bond with Princess Eugenie was highlighted recently as viewers caught a glimpse of Eugenie at play with Archie on a Californian beach during the release of Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary. Despite creating a new life in America, the Sussexes face emotional considerations about their children's connections to the UK.

A royal insider once shared with author Tom Quinn, "Meghan does miss some aspects of life in the UK and worries that her children will blame her if they never get to see their cousins and feel as adults that they have been deprived of what might have been a fun and meaningful existence in the UK."

Expanding on this, Jennie noted this is "a legitimate point," discussing the natural curiosity children have about their family. She remarked: "Children grow up and are innately curious about their heritage and background... and when your heritage is one of the most famous families in the world, it will undoubtedly seem rather odd and perhaps sad that you hardly know or remember them."

Speculating on Archie’s future feelings, she said: "Imagine Archie, aged 15, telling his friends, 'My grandpa is/was King! And my Uncle is/will be King too.' But he hardly knew or met them. How sad... and Meghan would have to bear the brunt of the responsibility for that."

The expert went on to say: "I’m sure that, like Harry, she wants the very best for their children... and that will include an understanding of their background. I just hope that by the time Archie and Lili grow up, things will be calmer and the family more united, even if they continue to live thousands of miles apart. This is not the children’s fault or responsibility so let’s hope the adults can make it a better world for the next generation of royals."