Prince Harry has recently embarked on a series of solo engagements, leading many to question the conspicuous absence of his wife, Meghan Markle, who once described their relationship as being like "salt and pepper," saying they "always move together." However, this narrative seems to have shifted in recent weeks as Harry attended high-profile events alone, raising speculation about the reasons behind their separate public appearances.
Most recently, Harry traveled alone to Southern Africa, where he reunited with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to promote their joint charity, Sentebale, which supports children affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana. The trip followed other solo outings, including a visit to the UK for the WellChild Awards, where he made a heartfelt appearance and spent time with children living with severe health conditions. Meghan, meanwhile, was notably absent, and her recent lack of visibility has sparked widespread media interest.
PR expert Mark Borkowski offered an explanation, suggesting that this separation of work between Harry and Meghan is strategic. He noted that their initial belief in their combined "star power" did not pan out as expected following their departure from royal duties. "They had to change the narrative," Borkowski told The Telegraph. "They need a venture that deflects from the failures. The charity aspect impresses upon everybody that he [Harry] does have value beyond the controversial stuff."
This shift may also be tied to Meghan's focus on her own business endeavors, particularly the upcoming launch of her American Riviera Orchard brand. This new venture, which includes a range of products from jams to cooking and gardening-related content, is reportedly set to debut alongside a Netflix series. Meghan's absence from Harry's public appearances could signal a deliberate move to build her own profile outside of their joint ventures.
During his visit to the UK, Harry briefly mentioned his wife while meeting a WellChild Award winner, Scarlett Cripps, who gave him colored crystal hearts to represent his family members. He gratefully accepted the gift, telling Scarlett that he would squeeze the crystals when he missed his family during his travels. Harry's interactions with the children and their families during the awards ceremony emphasized his long-standing commitment to the charity, which he has supported as a patron for 16 years.
In Southern Africa, Harry continued his charitable efforts, attending a bonfire gathering where he met with supporters of Sentebale and enjoyed performances by local dancers and a choir. During his visit, he delivered an impassioned speech, highlighting the impact of his charity's work. "We're hitting the targets, not just Sentebale but all of the departments are, and it's making a massive difference," he said. He stressed the importance of listening to young people, particularly in fostering a more hopeful and inclusive future.
Harry's recent itinerary has included appearances at multiple charitable events, from promoting landmine clearance with the Halo Trust to discussing digital wellness at a New York summit organized by the Clinton Foundation. His solo schedule has drawn comparisons to his previous role as a working member of the royal family, fueling speculation that he may be seeking a form of return to royal-style duties, even as he maintains his distance from the institution itself.
However, sources close to the Sussexes have dismissed any suggestion that Harry is attempting to re-enter the royal fold. According to these insiders, Harry is content with his "amazing" new life in California, where he and Meghan have made significant strides in their personal and professional lives. Despite the couple's physical separation during recent public appearances, Meghan remains involved behind the scenes, supporting Harry in his charitable endeavors.
Observers, including royal commentators Ingrid Seward and Phil Dampier, have noted that Harry's solo appearances may reflect an effort to reclaim his personal identity. Seward remarked that Harry's strength has always been his "Diana-like ability with children," and that he may be more effective on his own without the distraction of the broader controversies surrounding his and Meghan's relationship with the royal family. Dampier echoed these sentiments, saying that Harry may be seeking to "restore some kind of prestige" by carving out a unique role for himself that goes beyond his association with his wife.
While Meghan continues to focus on her commercial projects, Harry's dedication to charitable causes, particularly those involving children and disadvantaged communities, has remained a central part of his public image. His appearance in Southern Africa marks a return to the kind of work that first defined his royal career, and for many, it serves as a reminder of the prince's deep commitment to service.
