Princess Eugenie has received glowing praise from locals in the Portuguese town where she has quietly built a new life with husband Jack Brooksbank. The royal couple are regularly seen around their luxury home, but despite their famous status, they have managed to blend into the community.
A small but significant gesture has impressed residents: the couple always wave and say hello, and they speak a little Portuguese.
Councillor's account
A councillor living near the couple told the Daily Mail: “I see Eugenie and Jack quite often. We live very close and I knew she was pregnant as I saw her bump. I would often see them in their Range Rover as well.”
He added: “They are very friendly and always wave to say hello and they both also speak a little bit of Portuguese, which has really impressed everyone in the village.”
“They go for a walk on the main street and go to the restaurant and no one bothers them.”
Privacy respected
The local said residents are careful not to invade the family's privacy, despite knowing who they are: “It's mainly locals here and not many foreigners, so no one really knows who she is - but of course the people in Melides know but we don't bother her. We leave her alone to get on with her life.”
Third child born in Lisbon
Eugenie and Jack have welcomed their third child – a daughter – born at a hospital in Lisbon on Monday, August 3. Buckingham Palace confirmed the baby arrived at 6.20pm, weighing 6lb 9oz, with both mother and daughter doing well.
The little girl is believed to be the first of Eugenie's children born overseas. Locals celebrated the news, with the councillor saying: “I heard on the radio their new baby was born in Lisbon, so she is Portuguese by birth, which is wonderful for us here. Everyone is delighted for them.”
Luxury lifestyle and local impact
The family have a £3.6million oceanside villa at the exclusive Costa Terra resort, where homes are hidden among pine trees and sand dunes. The development offers a mile-long stretch of beach, multiple restaurants, a wellness spa, an equestrian centre and an 18-hole golf course.
Nearby Melides has its own celebrity glamour, with Christian Louboutin's five-star Vermelho hotel offering rooms for up to £919 a night during high season.
Jose Santos, president of the local tourist board, said the royal presence is a huge boost: “For us to have Harry and Meghan and Eugenie and her family as guests and residents is such a fantastic advert for the area.”
He added: “Costa Terra where they live is very exclusive and the security is very tight.”
Sarah Ferguson is also rumoured to have returned to Melides following her daughter's birth. Staff at O Fadista restaurant said Eugenie and Jack are regular visitors, with one waiter saying: “Eugenie and her husband are regulars and have been here quite a few times with friends.”
