Speculation surrounding the state of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's marriage has intensified following their recent solo appearances, fueling rumors that the couple may be leading increasingly independent lives. Insiders claim that Meghan has made Harry feel like a "spare part" during their joint public engagements, prompting the Duke of Sussex to step into the spotlight on his own.
The speculation began after Harry, 40, embarked on a series of trips to the United Kingdom and Africa without Meghan, while the Duchess of Sussex stayed behind in California with their two children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3. During his visit to the U.K., Harry attended the WellChild Awards and then traveled to Lesotho in support of his charity, Sentebale, all without his wife by his side.
Meanwhile, Meghan, 42, made a solo appearance at the Children's Hospital gala in Los Angeles, wearing a striking red Carolina Herrera gown. Her presence at the event, where she mingled with celebrities like Demi Lovato and Kaley Cuoco, seemed to mark a new chapter in her public life as she continues to engage in charity work independently of her husband.
Royal author Phil Dampier told The Sun that these solo outings could signal a "new normal" for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. "In the last couple of weeks, we've got used to seeing Harry flying solo, so to speak," Dampier said. "He's been in New York, Africa, and London. It's fairly obvious that he's decided to spread his wings and branch out and do things on his own."
Dampier suggests that Harry might be stepping away from his wife's shadow, feeling increasingly sidelined during their joint ventures. "I think he felt that he was becoming a bit of a spare part with Meghan on some of the trips that he went with her to, certainly to Colombia and Nigeria," Dampier noted. "She came across as the dominant partner, and perhaps he felt like a sort of bolt-on accessory, which has probably rankled with him a little bit."
Insiders close to the couple dismiss these rumors, stating that it is perfectly normal for married couples to pursue individual interests and attend separate events. A source close to Harry and Meghan remarked, "It is normal for couples to not do everything together," downplaying the notion that their solo appearances are a sign of marital strife.
However, the couple's increasing public separation has not gone unnoticed, with some royal observers speculating that their independent activities may point to deeper issues in their relationship. Dampier commented, "We've seen Meghan on her own as well, just to sort of reinforce the fact that they seem to be leading separate lives-certainly on the work front."
Despite the rumors, Meghan appeared relaxed and happy at the Los Angeles gala, where she was seen laughing and engaging with children. Royal watchers have noted that she wore a gown she had previously donned during a public appearance with Harry, suggesting a nod to her past but also a confident embrace of her solo identity.
While Harry and Meghan's decision to pursue separate public engagements has sparked a wave of media speculation, some analysts argue that the couple is simply navigating their roles as individuals rather than a unified front. This approach might allow each to focus on their respective projects and passions while supporting each other's endeavors from a distance.
Royal expert Phil Dampier added, "Clearly, they've decided that at the moment it's better for them to go their separate ways in terms of their work commitments and their charity commitments." He believes this could be a strategic move by the couple to maximize their influence and reach in different spheres while maintaining a strong partnership behind closed doors.
Harry's recent solo endeavors have also included trips to New York City, where he attended several events without Meghan. These appearances highlight a potential shift in his public persona, suggesting that he is eager to establish his own identity apart from the shadow of the royal family and his wife.
Meghan's independent activities and solo appearances have similarly been interpreted as a sign of her growing confidence and comfort in her post-royal life in the U.S. Her focus on philanthropic efforts and high-profile events indicates that she is carving out a distinct role for herself in the public eye.
