{
  "id": 3491265,
  "title": "How Portugal became a second home for celebrities, royals and the wealthy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/how-portugal-became-a-second-home-for-celebrities-royals-and-the",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-26T10:41:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2026/08/26/how-portugal-became-a-second-home-for-celebrities-royals-and-the-wealthy/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Portugal has quietly emerged as a favored second-home destination for the rich and famous across Europe. Princess Eugenie reportedly owns a villa valued at Dh18 million, while Formula One champion Max Verstappen recently purchased land to build a residence. Cristiano Ronaldo is alleged to own the most expensive property in the country. A-listers Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander relocated to Portugal in 2017, and Prince Harry and Meghan have a home in Praia da Gale. This demonstrates that Portugal has become one of Europe's most attractive locations for royals, celebrities, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking a holiday home or luxury property investment.\n\nBeyond its picturesque coastline and relaxed lifestyle, one key factor that sets Portugal apart is discretion. Princess Eugenie, who has increasingly made the country her residence since her husband Jack Brooksbank's work brought her there in 2022, exemplifies this. In August, she gave birth to their third child, Adelaide, in Lisbon in a Dh18 million villa on CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club in Melides. The property boasts a wellness spa, an equestrian center, a private 18-hole golf course, and direct beach access. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have also highlighted Portugal, with Meghan sharing photos of her family enjoying the beach and dining at local restaurants. Eugenie herself expressed her affinity for Portugal, stating in a Table Manners podcast in 2023 that \"this is why Portugal is the dream because I can go to the supermarket in my exercise gear and my hair piled on my head and not mind. Not care. No one cares.\"\n\nThe tax incentives and lifestyle offered by Portugal have contributed to its popularity among the ultra-wealthy. According to the 2026 Prime International Residential Index study by Knight Frank, the number of ultra-wealthy individuals in Portugal increased by nearly 50% over the past five years. Factors such as quality of life, climate, and tax benefits, including the golden visa and Non-Habitual Resident regime, have lured these individuals to the country. Cristiano Ronaldo and his wife Georgina Rodriguez are rumored to own a €25 million (Dh107 million) home in the exclusive Quinta da Marinha development on Portugal's Cascais coast, making it the most expensive private property ever purchased in the country. Other celebrities, including Formula One driver Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet, have also invested in the luxury development of Pinheirinho Comporta.",
  "summary": "Portugal has quietly become one of Europe’s most sought-after second-home destinations for the rich and famous. Princess Eugenie reportedly owns a villa worth Dh18 million; Formula One champion Max Verstappen recently bought land to build a home; and Cristiano Ronaldo is rumoured to own the most expensive property in the country. Hollywood couple Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander relocated…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "How Portugal became a second home for celebrities, royals and the wealthy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/how-portugal-became-a-second-home-for-celebrities-royals-and-the-3494253",
        "published": "2026-08-26T10:41:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}