Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'new home' so close to key royal it 'could mend rift'

There are talks of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle planning a return to Europe after it has been reported that the couple have purchased a new holiday home in Portugal.

While all is yet to be confirmed, a move back to Europe could be the beginning of the steps for Prince Harry to mend his relationships with his family, particularly cousin Princess Eugenie, who already owns a property in Portugal.

The Duke of Sussex has always been close to his cousins, Eugenie and her sister Princess Beatrice, remaining in contact with them since he moved to the US and providing support for him during his difficulties with the rest of the Royal family.

After last year's Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Harry and Meghan paid a visit to Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, at their residence in the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, located in Melides, south of Lisbon.

The move to Portugal would bring Harry closer to his cousin, which could even result in mending the royal rift with other members of the Firm. But it would also reduce the travel time to the UK compared to when he travels from California.

A direct flight between the UK and Portugal takes around two to three hours, which would make it easier for the Prince to return home more frequently - providing an opportunity to ease the ongoing tension between him and his brother, Prince William.

In recent times, Prince Harry has shared his wish to reconnect with his family and a shorter distance, enabling him to play a more active role in UK organisations and causes which are close to his heart could also help mend the rift.

Unfortunately, security concerns are what has prevented the Prince from travelling to the UK as often as he would like, following the removal of his police protection when he stepped down from his Royal duties.

This is one of the main reasons why he claims he has been hesitant to travel to the UK with his wife, Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who currently reside in Montecito, California.