Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been working coasts apart for months.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were once inseparable with Meghan, 43, likening herself and her husband to salt and pepper as they always “move together”. But in recent times, the California-based couple has been going solo to public events, sparking rumours about their relationship and plans for the future.
Meghan and Harry’s professional distance has increased since they embarked on a joint tour of Colombia in the summer. Sources close to the couple say it shows their new “twin-track approach” with Harry focusing on his charity endeavours and Meghan on her entrepreneurial projects and business.
Harry and Meghan being interviews on CBS (
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The pair have only been seen together twice in the last four months, including an interview with CBS aired on August 4. They spoke to Sunday Morning’s Jane Pauley about a new initiative supporting parents of children affected by online harm. It was the couple’s first joint interview in more than three years since their tell-all Oprah chat in March 2021.
In late September and early October, Harry was away from Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for at least two weeks with public appearances in New York, London, as well as Southern Africa. During his travels, Meghan was barely seen, however, she did attend a star-studded gala in aid of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, wearing an eye-popping red gown as she posed for photographers.
In early November, a rare joint appearance came in a video message about the importance of protecting children online. The clip showed the Sussexes delivering a message that was played at a United Nations conference in Colombia on ending violence against children.
The Sussexes shared a video condemning violence against children
In the video, Meghan gazes at her husband while he talks before saying: “My husband and I recognise that today’s reality is marked by greater connectivity and advanced technology, which, of course, has many positives. However, it also compels us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself in this age.”
They also released a slickly edited Veteran’s Day video on November 7, although it is not clear when the video was made.
Analysing all of their latest appearances, body language expert Judi James told the Mirror there has been a definite shift between the Sussexes. She explained: “Harry and Meghan’s relationship seems to have evolved from a totally twinned one, where their body language was confined to appearances as a matching, complimentary and very royal-looking double act, to one that resembles the shape of a letter Y; joined and twinned at the base but also separating into two individuals moving into two rather separate professional directions.”
Despite the shift, Judi believes both Harry and Meghan look “happy, confident and comfortable” despite spending so much time apart. It comes as Meghan is gearing up to launch her brand American Rivieria Orchard next year, while Harry’s Invictus Games will take place in February in Vancouver and Whistler in Canada.
Harry during a speech in Vancouver on November 18 (
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Meghan on the red carpet at the Children’s Hospital LA gala (
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Variety via Getty Images)
Since their last sighting, Harry has embarked on a solo trip to Canada to promote his Invictus Games. Meanwhile, Meghan hosted a holiday dinner for Afghan women who have relocated to California, and also let her hair down at a launch party for her pal Kadi Lee’s new haircare brand.
The apparent pursuit of separate careers has also seen rumours swirl about their private life, with one report alleging Harry spent the night of his 40th birthday with pals on a hiking holiday instead of with his wife.
However, sources close to the couple have explained that one of them always stays behind for their children while the other is absent for work. A source, reportedly a friend, told People : “What we are seeing is a functional and healthy relationship with two working partners, not the contrary.”
Another source told HELLO! that the couple’s current long-term plan is to have individual projects. They explained: “Harry and Meghan have consistently pursued solo ventures in connection with their individual interests, but remain deeply committed to their joint efforts through Archewell. Together they have exciting projects in the pipeline, all driving forward their shared mission for positive global impact.”
According to PR and crisis expert Ed Coram-James, it could be all down to a bid to save their brand. The CEO of marketing agency Go Up told the Mirror : “Meghan and Harry’s brand has been tainted beyond repair. The relentless media backlash, fuelled by their misguided PR moves, has left them in a position where joint branding is no longer viable.”
This week, their solo public appearances are set to continue. On Wednesday (December 4), Meghan is expected to appear at a glitzy Hollywood party honouring her celeb pal Tyler Perry. Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in New York, Harry will be at The New York Times DealBook Conference.
