Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's latest solo outings have reignited speculation about the state of their marriage. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to attend high-profile events on opposite sides of the country next week, further fueling rumors of a growing rift between the once inseparable couple.
On December 4, Harry will appear at the New York Times DealBook Conference, where he is scheduled to speak with journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin about social impact initiatives. On the same day, Meghan is expected at the 2024 Paley Honors Fall Gala in Los Angeles, where their close friend Tyler Perry will be honored. Both are part of the hosting committee for the gala, but only Meghan is expected to attend now that Harry's appearance in New York has been confirmed.
The Sussexes' increasing solo ventures come after months of individual engagements. Last week, Harry was in Vancouver promoting the Invictus Games, set to take place there in February 2025. Earlier this fall, he embarked on a solo trip spanning New York, London, and Southern Africa, while Meghan made a separate high-profile red-carpet appearance.
The growing number of solo projects has led to speculation about their relationship. Judi James, a body language expert, told The Mirror, "Harry and Meghan's relationship seems to have evolved from a totally twinned one... 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."
However, sources close to the couple insist that their separate appearances reflect their professional ambitions and not a marital rift. One insider told People, "What we are seeing is a functional and healthy relationship with two working partners, not the contrary." Another source described their approach as a "twin-track strategy," with Harry focusing on charity and Meghan pursuing entrepreneurial projects.
Yet, royal commentators and insiders have expressed skepticism. Phil Dampier, a long-time royal expert, told RadarOnline, "I doubt Meghan and Harry's marriage will last much longer... they seem to be going their separate ways and spending so much time apart."
Harry's extended solo trips have further fueled the rumors. In September and October, he spent three weeks traveling to promote his causes, including a stop in London for the WellChild Awards and a visit to Africa. During this period, Meghan was notably absent. "It's clear they're leading separate lives," a royal source said. "Talk of a marital rift has been simmering since Harry released his memoir, Spare, last year, and Meghan was not around when he did publicity for it."
Reports also suggest Harry is rethinking his departure from royal life. According to a courtier quoted by RadarOnline, "It's clear Harry hates the showbiz life and would rather focus on issues he feels strongly about. He also wants to mend bridges with his father and brother. But, apparently, none of that is on Meghan's to-do list."
The last time Harry and Meghan appeared together was in a video message for a United Nations conference earlier this month. While the video showcased their united front, their continued separate appearances leave fans and critics questioning their long-term future.
As the Sussexes pursue their individual paths, observers are left to wonder if their marriage will survive the increasing distance-both literal and figurative-between them. For now, the couple maintains their commitment to joint projects under their Archewell Foundation, but the question of whether their relationship can withstand the pressure of diverging ambitions looms large.
