Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Germany on Sept. 14, 2023.Photo:Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance via Getty Images
Rolf Vennenbernd/picture alliance via Getty Images
Meghan MarkleandPrince Harryreportedly extended their European vacation with a stop in Portugal.
Harry and Meghan likely spent time with the Duke’s cousinPrincess Eugenie, who lives in Portugal part-time. It was announced last year that Eugenie’s husband,Jack Brooksbank, landed a new job that will see the family (the couple are parents to two sons:August, 2, andErnest, 4 months)splitting their timebetween the U.K. and Portugal.
Despite Prince Harry and Meghan’s move to the United States in 2020 after announcing their decision to step back as senior working members of the royal family, the Duke of Sussex remains close to cousinsPrincess Beatriceand Princess Eugenie.
A family insidertold PEOPLEearlier this year, “They’re still the best of friends and talk constantly.”
Princess Eugenie, Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice at Trooping the Colour 2012.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty
Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty
The tensions between Prince Harry and Meghan with the royal family, particularly his fatherKing Charlesand brotherPrince William, has been “really stressful” for Beatrice and Eugenie, the insider added.
“This whole drama between him and Meghan and the rift with the rest of the family has been really stressful for the girls. It’s hard to watch because they see both sides of it,” the source said, adding that the sisters “understand and live the royal machine.”
Prince Harry’s bond with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie was recently on display at King Charles' coronation on May 6. Although Meghan stayed in California with their two children,Harry entered Westminster Abbey smiling and chattingwith Beatrice, her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Eugenie and Jack.
Prince Harry at King Charles' coronation on May 6, 2023.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty
“Eugenie had always been more than just a cousin to Harry. They were also the closest of friends,” authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand wrote inFinding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family.
“Out of all the Queen’s grandchildren, Harry and Eugenie have one of the most natural connections. Like Harry, Eugenie is loyal, honest, and great fun. The two had many nights out together in London,” the authors added. “Harry had always confided in his cousin when it came to the women in his life. Not only did he trust her implicitly, but friends say that she gives great advice and has always been ‘beyond wise’ for her years.”
Queen Elizabeth with Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice and Prince Harry in 2019.Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty
Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty
Meghan also shares a bond with Eugenie. Speaking withOprah Winfreyin 2021, the Duchess of Sussex revealed thatshe knew Princess Eugenie prior to dating Harry.
“Eugenie and I had known each other before I had known Harry, so that was comfortable,” she said. “We’re friends with them as a couple.”
Meghan later toldEllen DeGeneresduring an appearance on her talk show that Princess Eugenie and Jackvisited her in Torontowhen she was dating Prince Harry. Before the news of their relationship broke to the public, the two couples went out to a Halloween party in disguise.
“The four of us snuck out in Halloween costumes to just have one fun night on the town before it was out in the world that we were a couple,” explained Meghan.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
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While Meghan made herfirst appearance in Germanyon Sept. 12, Prince Harry had kicked off his event for service personnel and veterans a few days earlier. The Duke of Sussex also stopped in the U.K. before heading to Germany — there, heattended the WellChild Awardsandvisited his grandmother Queen Elizabeth’s burial siteat Windsor Castle on the first anniversary of her death.
On Friday, the couple made asurprise appearancein Santa Barbara atKevin Costner’s oceanside fundraiser for the charityOne805.
source: people.com
