Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, appear to be navigating an increasingly separate professional and personal path, according to several sources. Recent reports suggest that Prince Harry is seeking independence and distancing himself from Meghan's influence as the couple embarks on individual ventures. Insiders claim that Harry is embracing these opportunities to reconnect with causes that matter deeply to him, hinting at a growing rift within their marriage.
Sources familiar with the couple's situation suggest that the Duke of Sussex, 39, has been more at ease during his solo appearances, displaying a newfound energy and enthusiasm. "People noticed this was a more relaxed Harry. He was smiling and clearly relishing meeting with people about things that really matter to him," a source told Star Magazine following Harry's recent trips to New York, London, and Lesotho. The duke, who relocated to California with Meghan in 2020, has been trying to establish a foothold in Hollywood, though sources suggest he may be yearning for aspects of his former life in the UK.
"Harry's given up so much for this marriage-his family, his home, his friends," an insider noted. "There's a feeling he's been striving to make Meghan happy at the expense of his own happiness." Some observers speculate that Harry may be reconsidering his estrangement from the royal family, with a particular focus on mending his relationship with his brother, Prince William. According to reports, Harry's sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, is supportive of efforts to heal the rift. "If he wants to resume life in royal circles, Kate could be the one to help him," a source commented. "She's been rooting for an end to Harry's rift with William."
The sources further described Meghan as "very opinionated" and suggested that she is a "control freak" who has been steering the relationship. Royal author Phil Dampier told an outlet that Meghan's recent solo appearance at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala is indicative of the couple's growing independence in their professional lives. "We've seen Meghan on her own as well, which reinforces the fact that, to some extent, they seem to be leading separate lives-certainly on the work front," Dampier noted. Meghan attended the gala alone, dressed in a striking red gown she had previously worn at an event with Harry, suggesting a deliberate effort to establish her own identity in the public eye.
While Meghan was in Los Angeles, Harry traveled to Lesotho, where he continued his charitable work with Sentebale, an organization he co-founded to support children affected by HIV in Africa. "In the last couple of weeks, we've gotten used to seeing Harry flying solo," Dampier observed. "He's been in New York, Africa, and London, and it's fairly obvious that he's decided to spread his wings and branch out on his own."
Dampier suggested that Harry's solo ventures reflect a desire to escape the dynamic he has experienced alongside Meghan, especially on their joint international trips. "I think he felt like a bit of a spare part with Meghan during some of their travels, particularly in Colombia and Nigeria," Dampier shared. "She often came across as the dominant partner, and perhaps he felt like a sort of bolt-on accessory. 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 charity work."
The reports indicate that this professional separation might be a blueprint for the couple's future, with sources citing their declining charitable contributions and the end of Meghan's Spotify contract as potential turning points. Meghan's anticipated lifestyle brand, American Rivera Orchard, has also yet to launch, leading some insiders to speculate about the couple's shifting strategies. "They had such high hopes initially, and doors were opening for them," a source said. "But many believe Harry would do well to branch off on his own."
While Meghan remains committed to building her brand and staying in California, some observers believe Harry might be contemplating a return to royal life in the UK, if not immediately, then as a future possibility. "He is savoring these moments when he's by himself," a source close to the couple revealed. "But it could spell more trouble for his marriage."
The couple's divergent professional paths raise questions about the stability of their relationship. As rumors circulate, observers are watching to see if their separate ventures become a permanent fixture in their lives or a temporary measure to restore balance. Meghan's focus on solo appearances and Harry's increasing interest in revisiting his philanthropic roots suggest a shift that could redefine their public and personal dynamic.
