Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are facing backlash from locals in Portugal after purchasing a $4.7 million beachfront vacation home. This purchase has sparked significant controversy, with residents criticizing the couple for their perceived insensitivity toward local economic struggles and their role in fueling gentrification in the area.

Locals have expressed anger over the luxury development, viewing it as a symbol of wealth and greed that displaces long-time residents who have cherished the land for generations. The couple’s extravagant purchase has deepened frustrations, highlighting the economic disparity between them and the average person in the community. Some critics have even gone as far as labeling Prince Harry a “colonizer” for taking land away from the locals, a stark reflection of the ongoing tension between wealthy outsiders and communities trying to preserve their heritage.

The controversy surrounding Harry and Meghan extends beyond just this recent home purchase. Their decision to buy in Portugal has fueled local outrage, as it coincides with ongoing discussions about property rights, the privatization of natural resources, and beach access laws. These issues have intensified concerns about the impact of affluent newcomers on the community’s way of life and culture.

Moreover, Harry and Meghan’s partnership with the Discovery Land Company in developing luxury properties at Costa Tera has also been met with skepticism. The development, marketed as an exclusive getaway for the ultra-wealthy, further underscores the couple’s lifestyle choices, which many locals view as out of touch with their community’s economic realities.

In light of their declining public favor, Harry and Meghan’s actions have once again placed them in the crosshairs of controversy, with critics questioning their relevance and their ongoing efforts to maintain their public image amidst financial challenges.