Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sparked rumors that they were “living separate lives” at the end of last month, as the 43-year-old former Suits actress was nowhere to be seen when her husband visited New York for a string of solo appearances. And the rumor mill is going into overdrive now that she has also been MIA during his trip to the U.K. this week!
“It is significant that he is doing so much on his own now,” royal expert Phil Dampier said last month. “They are living more separate lives as it looks like Harry is trying to carve out what exactly his future is,” he added at the time.
However, while there is indeed some obvious separation, it might not be as dramatic as it seems. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do indeed seem to be going their separate ways at the moment – but only professionally, not personally. And if things go to plan, the world could fall in love with them as a couple all over again! Keep reading for more information…
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Reportedly Realized They Don't Work Well Together Professionally
If you'll recall, Meghan was reportedly previously advised to ditch Prince Harry professionally if she wanted to "save" her career. And it seems like Prince Harry may have also gotten the same advice, as he has been attending several professional engagements without his wife lately, which royal fans seem to be loving.
Prince Harry, 40, has been in the U.K. this week for a number of appearances, including the WellChild Awards on Monday night, which marked his eighth consecutive public outing without his wife. Prior to landing in the U.K., he attended a number of engagements in New York without Meghan.
The couple have reportedly realized that they don't work well together as a couple; and although they do have some upcoming projects together, many of their professional endeavors have been and will continue to be separate, such as Meghan's American Riviera Orchard brand and Harry's polo documentary, to name just two.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Were Reportedly Forced To 'Change The Narrative'
PR strategist Mark Borkowski, who has been keeping a close eye on Harry and Meghan, reportedly told the Daily Telegraph that their professional "separation" has been happening for quite some time after realizing that the "star power" they thought they had together "didn't work," which forced them to "change the narrative."
Borkowski said: "There has been a separation [of their work] for a while. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to think there's something going on. She has been doing the jam thing, the Martha Stewart play. He seems to be going back to basics."
"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," he continued, adding: "It has the effect of separating them from the bad press and the failed content ideas. The punters still have time for Harry."
Prince Harry Reportedly Knows He Has 'A Considerable Fanbase'
A royal insider echoed this last month, telling The Express that Prince Harry realizes that he still has quite a huge fan base – and he is better off doing things alone, without Meghan, to take advantage of it.
They said the Duke of Sussex realized "very quickly" that he commands a "considerable fanbase," adding: "There's been a conscious effort to focus on that love for Harry so in the long-term that adoration can seep through the both of them."
Royal Expert Says Prince Harry And Meghan Markle's Solo Engagements Are A 'Strategic Pivot': 'Harry's Appearances Have Been Met With Positive Attention'
Royal author and expert Nathan Kay also commented on Prince Harry's solo engagements, asking in The Express: "So, why this sudden surge of independent appearances?"
"Quite simply, I see it as a strategic pivot. Prince Harry is reminding the world why they fell in love with him in the first place," Kay speculated, adding: "Despite the whirlwind of controversies and public missteps, the affection many feel for Harry – rooted in the memory of the young boy who walked behind his mother's coffin, and the royal who spent years working for wounded veterans – remains."
And perhaps the Duchess of Sussex is okay with her husband venturing out on his own because it may mean that her reputation will gradually start to improve too! "This solo charm offensive aims to rekindle that affection, with the hope that, eventually, it will extend to Meghan by association," Kay continued, adding: "The approach seems to be working. Harry's appearances have so far been met with positive attention." Will Meghan be back in everyone's good books by the end of the year? Only time will tell!
Social Media Comments
Social media understandably had a lot of comments, with many people still thinking that Prince Harry and Meghan have no hope, individually or together.
"The Hater and the Traitor are finished," wrote one person on a GB News YouTube video. "They were finished years ago," wrote a second, as a third added: "Professionally, but what about personally? I hope both. Harry looks like he is about to crack." A fourth said: "What difference will it make separating their professional pursuits? They are both untalented, and hopeless communicators. They aren't good at anything, nor are they likeable." Yikes!
Someone else added: "Who cares what these two do. They're boring. Not interested in anything they do." "With a bit of luck they'll disappear altogether!" exclaimed another. "They have only themselves to blame… horrid duo…" slammed another, as someone else said: "They're both sad grifters."
Many other commenters were very clearly on Prince Harry's side, and seemed to think the current professional separation is a good thing! "While H is not perfect, MM is the one dragging him down to where she came from...the gutter!" exclaimed one commenter. "Meghan has no 'work', does she? It's all based on Harry. My opinion," wrote another, while someone else said: "She's nobody without Harry." "Harry will excel and leave her behind," predicted another.
