In a recent interview, Lady Colin Campbell unleashed a barrage of criticism aimed squarely at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, particularly focusing on their newly acquired estate in Portugal.
Known for her unflinching commentary on royal matters, Lady Colin didn’t hold back, labeling the couple’s claims about their new property as nothing more than a publicity stunt.
A few weeks back, news broke that the Sussexes had invested over $3 million in a sprawling estate located in central Portugal, near Cidadel Haddad de Anjanova.
This luxurious property boasts nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a swimming pool, and stretches across an impressive 12 acres.
Almost immediately, speculation began to swirl regarding whether this meant the couple was permanently leaving their California mansion behind after just a year of living there since stepping back from royal duties in early 2020.
While some suggested that this move might be an attempt to escape the relentless scrutiny of the British press, a spokesperson for the couple quickly clarified that the Portuguese estate would serve as a holiday retreat rather than their primary residence.
They insisted that Harry and Meghan would continue to call Santa Barbara home, splitting their time between the UK and California.
Enter Lady Colin, who recently shared her thoughts on the podcast Royally US, where she completely dismantled the Sussexes’ narrative surrounding their Portugal purchase.
She described it as “utter nonsense” to claim that such an expansive estate was merely a vacation home.
“Why on earth would they shell out millions for a holiday home?” she questioned, emphasizing how implausible it seemed for anyone to buy a property of that magnitude just for occasional getaways.
Lady Colin underscored the property’s vastness and amenities, arguing that no rational person would invest in such a large estate solely for short-term use.
She also dismissed the idea that Harry and Meghan genuinely sought privacy, stating, “Oh please, they don’t want privacy.
They crave attention and notoriety.” Her assertion raises eyebrows: if they truly desired seclusion, why continue to seek the limelight?
Security concerns were another point of contention for Lady Colin.
Given Harry’s royal status, he and Meghan are entitled to taxpayer-funded protection while in the UK or the US.
“Do people genuinely believe that protection can easily be extended to freaking Portugal?” she challenged, highlighting the impracticality of such arrangements.
She contended that neither the UK nor the US would take on the burden of providing security for private citizens living abroad, further questioning the reality of the Sussexes’ situation.
As she continued to dissect their motives, Lady Colin expressed disappointment in what she perceives as the couple’s ongoing manipulation of public perception.
“Their constant need to manipulate the narrative… is just sad at this point,” she remarked.
This sentiment resonates with many critics who have voiced similar concerns regarding the Sussexes’ actions and intentions.
Delving deeper into her critique, Lady Colin pointed out several contradictions in Harry and Meghan’s behavior.
For instance, while they profess a desire for privacy, they frequently engage in high-profile interviews and media appearances.
Moreover, their acceptance of taxpayer-funded security while rejecting official family engagements creates a dissonance that does not sit well with the public.
She argued that if the couple genuinely wished to distance themselves from royal obligations, they should relinquish their titles and reject public funding.
“They just can’t have it every which way,” she asserted, calling for a more definitive stance from the Sussexes regarding their relationship with the monarchy.
In her view, the couple’s half-in, half-out approach undermines any claims of wanting a private life.
This muddled strategy, according to Lady Colin, only serves to frustrate the public, who are increasingly aware of the discrepancies in their narrative.
Shifting the conversation, Lady Colin also touched on the strained relationships within the royal family, particularly between Harry and his brother, Prince William.
She claimed that the fallout from Harry’s revelations, especially during the infamous Oprah interview, has left William feeling deeply betrayed.
“Trust is badly damaged right now,” she noted, suggesting that the rift could take a significant amount of time to heal, if it ever does.
Lady Colin painted a picture of lingering resentment among the royals, asserting that frustrations remain high, particularly due to Harry’s public criticisms of the institution.
While formalities may be maintained, the personal bonds appear to have shifted dramatically, leaving a sense of sadness over what once was a close-knit family dynamic.
As discussions surrounding Harry and Meghan’s Portugal plans continue to unfold, it’s clear that Lady Colin’s candid observations have struck a chord.
Her willingness to confront the complexities of their situation sheds light on the broader implications of their choices and the ongoing tensions within the royal family.
