Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are about to make one crucial change to how they raise Archie and Lilibet

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly making a big change in how they raise their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as they prepare for a move that could bring them closer to their royal roots. The Sussex children, currently 5 and 3 years old, have had a more private upbringing compared to their cousins, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children, who are regularly seen at royal events and in the media. While Archie and Lilibet’s seclusion from the public eye has been beneficial in protecting their privacy, it also means they’ve had limited exposure to their royal family members, especially their cousins.

However, this could be about to change. The Sussexes recently purchased a property in Portugal, marking their first homebase in Europe since stepping away from the UK in 2020. This new residence places them closer to Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, who lives nearby with her family. Eugenie’s two sons, August and Ernest, are around the same age as Archie and Lilibet, offering a chance for the Sussex children to bond with their royal cousins.

Royal commentator Jennie Bond emphasized that this move could be a significant step for Archie and Lilibet in connecting with their royal heritage. Although they may not have a relationship with King Charles or Prince William, the proximity to Princess Eugenie’s family could give the children a sense of royal belonging. Bond noted that it would be “curious and sad” for the Sussex children to grow up knowing they are part of such a prominent family but remain distanced from most of its members.

The move to Portugal suggests that Harry and Meghan want their children to experience European culture and spend time with family members who share their royal lineage. Despite the more secluded lifestyle they’ve led in California, this change may offer Archie and Lilibet the opportunity to connect with their extended family in a way they haven’t been able to do before.

Whether or not this shift brings the children closer to the British royal family, it does highlight the Sussexes’ desire for their children to experience a balance of American and European influences in their upbringing—an exciting prospect for the family as they navigate life away from the public spotlight of the UK.