The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to buy a property in Portugal is seen as a clear indication that the couple hopes to incorporate aspects of European life into their children's futures.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, despite being sixth and seventh in line to the throne, have spent little time in the UK and, as a result, have had limited interactions with their royal cousins.
With the prospect of spending more time in Portugal, a leading royal expert has noted that the couple's young children will likely benefit the most, reports OK.
"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 during the school holidays," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said.
The move is likely to be a blessing, with the potential to 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.
Jennie praises the fact that Archie and Lilibet will have a connection to their father’s side of the family, although she acknowledges it would be "sad" for them not to be closer to their relatives.
She 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."
Reflecting on the couple's one hope for their children's future, Jennie adds: "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’ll finally see some pictures of the Sussex children playing with their cousins. But by now, they must be deeply immersed in the Californian way of life and sound like proper little Americans."
This follows a comment from leading royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, who called the couple's move "extremely significant."
"This is a surprise and extremely significant. We’ve known for years that Harry and Meghan, and Eugenie and her husband Jack, have had a close relationship," said the expert commentator to FeMail. "They moved into Frogmore Cottage when the Sussexes left, and they’ve reportedly met 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."
Regarding how Archie and Lilibet, in particular, will be affected, Richard added: "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."
The bond between Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie has always been close, a connection that has been seen since Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties.
This was highlighted when Eugenie was seen playing on a Californian beach with Archie in the couple's self-titled Netflix series.
While they have established their lives on the West Coast, a royal insider previously shared with royal 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."
Jennie said that this idea is "a legitimate point".
She mentions: "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.
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"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 continues: "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."
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