Princess Eugenie has been spending a lot of time in Portugal(Image: Princess Eugenie/Instagram)
Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank have quietly established a new chapter in their lives far from the hectic spotlight of London in sunny southern Portugal.
Since 2022, the couple and their young sons, August and Ernest, have been spending much of their time living in the European country as Jack pursues work in the region, forging a lifestyle that marries family, privacy and a touch of coastal luxury.
Eugenie, 35, and Jack, 39, currently split their time between Portugal and the UK, but it is their Portuguese base that has attracted increasing attention – both for its lifestyle appeal and its eye-watering value. According to reports, the family’s home is part of the CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club in Melides, Setúbal, an exclusive coastal resort community where properties and plots are estimated around €4 million, roughly £3.6 million.
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The couple have two children together(Image: Instagram/ @princesseugenie)
Although the resort’s properties – from custom villa plots to contemporary club residences – are part of a development still being built out, the area has been dubbed a Portuguese equivalent of the Hamptons thanks to its sweeping beaches, golf amenities and private-club vibe.
The move to Portugal reflects a deliberate choice by Eugenie and Jack to balance family life with work and privacy. Eugenie has spoken openly about the freedoms that come with life there. On the Table Manners podcast, she described Portugal as “the dream,” enjoying simple outings without the constant attention that follows a senior British royal.
Jack Brooksbank’s role in the property and resort sector has been central to the family’s relocation. He is doing marketing, sales and promotion for property entrepreneur Mike Meldman, who is managing the 300-home development there.
Jack’s job has meant the couple are spending a lot of time in Portugal(Image: @princesseugenie/Instagram)
According to its website, CostaTerra “offers a wide range of real estate options, from large estate homesites to contemporary coastal villas, turnkey club residences, and custom luxury homes”. And the club – dubbed the “Hamptons of Western Europe” – is certainly fit for royalty, boasting luxury amenities such as an 18-hole golf course, spa and equestrian centre.
There’s also private surf lessons, paddle boarding, and catamaran trips to go dolphin watching. There is also a mile of beachfront and prices for the homes are said to start at £3.6 million.
The work opportunity with a major development group gave the couple a reason to explore a lifestyle beyond London and laid-back UK royal residences such as Ivy Cottage on the Kensington Palace estate.
Eugenie has acknowledged that while the family enjoy Portugal, their roots remain in the UK. Reports suggest they are keen to ensure their sons grow up with strong family ties and experiences in both countries.
The resort has seen plenty of celebs visiting(Image: aydafieldwilliams/Instagram)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have reportedly visited Eugenie and Jack there following the 2024 Invictus Games, with the cousins believed to have a close bond despite ongoing tensions with the rest of the family.
As Eugenie builds a life along the Portuguese coast, her mother Sarah, Duchess of York (Fergie) reportedly faces her own turning point. Following years of living with Prince Andrew at Royal Lodge, recent developments around the Duke of York’s departure from the property have sparked discussion about where Fergie will live next.
One possibility discussed in royal circles is that Fergie could spend part of her time in Portugal with Eugenie’s family, at least until more permanent arrangements are made. Insiders point out that the Melides area’s relaxed lifestyle could offer a welcome contrast to the UK and help Fergie find calm amid ongoing scrutiny.
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