Prince Harry and Meghan were back in the spotlight this week with the Duke forced to address divorce rumours after the couple’s ‘professional split’. And it seems they are on different paths…
Prince Harry was forced to address divorce rumours after continuous speculation that the Sussexes are close to calling it quits.
Harry and Meghan have only been seen together in public on two occasions in the last four months; in a video message where they talked about prioritising children’s safety online, and during their highly-publicised tour of Colombia back in August.
According to a source close to the couple, the reason for the separate appearances is a shift in their ventures. Meghan is reportedly focused on her businesses while Harry pursues his charitable endeavours.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe spoke to the Mirror about what the ‘professional split’ is really about, and noted a major shift in the couple’s dynamic. He said: “I think it’s been a really interesting development because when they first arrived in California, they were a power couple with their own similar agendas – which was criticising the royal family.
“Now they’ve got through that, it seems Meghan has really started to carve her own path career-wise and Harry too has done jobs without Meghan, been to official visits without her. It certainly looks from the outside looking in that there is this separation between them, in terms of what their priorities are. I think that’s a really interesting development because it does beg the question ‘What are they all about?’ Are they a commercial entity or are they royals without a portfolio?
“It’s a bit confusing to know what’s actually driving them, other than trying to make money if you’re Meghan, and from Harry’s point of view, trying to prove that you’re still a decent chap who is hardworking.” It’s been a difficult week for the couple, who have been thrust back into the spotlight following the release of a new documentary from Germany titled Harry – The Lost Prince.
It was made by award-winning filmmaker Ulrike Grunewald, who spoke to the couple’s Montecito neighbours, royal experts and former acquaintances to explore Harry ‘s struggles within the Royal Family and the Sussexes’ search for relevance following their exit from royal life in January 2020.
The documentary might make for uncomfortable viewing for the Sussexes, who are criticised for their “whinging” over the royal family, “only mixing with upper classes” on their “carefully orchestrated” foreign trips, and Meghan’s out-of-touch expensive tour wardrobes.
Harry, meanwhile, addressed speculation about his relationship with wife during an appearance at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit on Wednesday. During his conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin, the Prince was asked how he navigates the intense public scrutiny that comes with his level of fame, which is often aimed at his relationship status with Meghan.
“There’s articles left and right about, you know, ‘Why are you doing independent events? Why aren’t you doing them together?'” Sorkin said. “Is that a good thing for you, in a way, that there’s so much interest in you?”
Harry reflected that the media speculation is “definitely not a good thing,” adding: “We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So, it’s just like, what?”
“It’s hard to keep up with, but that’s why you just sort of ignore it,” Harry continued. “The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls. Their hopes are just built and built… and then it doesn’t happen. So, I feel sorry for them.”