COMMENT: The Sussexes’ conspicuous absences from one another’s side has led many to wonder: is Harry in the midst of a mid-life crisis as Meghan Markle prepares to go it alone?

Prince Harry has been on a solo tour for the past few weeks which has seen him soar on his own (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry’s recent decision to extend his solo trip abroad, while Meghan Markle attended an event for the LA Children’s Hospital alone, has set tongues wagging about the state of their relationship.

It seems the Duke of Sussex, 40, is taking time away from his life in California, and perhaps, time away from his marriage too.

The couple’s conspicuous absences from one another’s side has led many to wonder: is Harry in the midst of a mid-life crisis or simply taking a necessary pause for reflection?

The Duke was supposed to head back to California this past weekend to reunite with Meghan, 43, and their two children, but instead chose to prolong his stay in Africa for several more days.

He was in Johannesburg over the weekend before a rumoured visit to Cape Town, a region where the Spencer family owns property and Harry has numerous friends.

It’s a deeply personal trip that, oddly enough, hasn’t been added to his official itinerary – a clandestine extension that raises more questions than answers.

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle made quite the statement at the LA Children’s Hospital gala.

Dressed in a stunning red Carolina Herrera gown, she was the epitome of Hollywood glamour.

The event featured performances by Demi Lovato and appearances from stars like Kaley Cuoco and Jamie Lee Curtis, but one notable absence loomed large: her husband, Prince Harry.

As Meghan dazzled in LA, Harry was on the other side of the globe wrapping up several weeks of solo engagements – a tour that brought back a true ‘royal’ touch to the couple’s somewhat shattered image.

If you hadn’t noticed, the Sussexes still haven’t escaped the furore surrounding the Oprah appearances, Harry’s mudslinger Spare and the couple’s self-titled Netflix documentary.

During his solo tour in recent weeks, Harry reunited with his old friend Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, where he delivered a passionate speech by a bonfire about the ongoing work of his charity, Sentebale.

His recent ventures also included a solo trip to London, where he attended the WellChild awards, and another to New York City for events during UN General Assembly High-Level Week and Climate Week.

Notably, he didn’t take the opportunity to see his father, King Charles, or his brother, Prince William, during his UK visit.

Harry’s independent itinerary has become a pattern over the last several weeks, leaving Meghan at home in Montecito, California, with their children, Archie and Lilibet

While Harry is away, Meghan attended the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala alone (Image: Getty)

This continued distance between them is prompting speculation that the couple, married for six years, may indeed be drifting apart.

Friends of the Sussexes are reportedly concerned by how much time the couple are spending away from each other, and it’s hard not to wonder if their fears are well-founded.

In a telling move, on the evening of his 40th birthday, Harry chose to hike with friends in the Montecito mountains near the couple’s home rather than celebrate with his wife. They are also said to be at odds over what do at Christmas.

Perhaps it’s simply a need for space, an urge to rediscover himself away from the constant scrutiny and high expectations.

But there’s no denying that the timing of these solo escapades raises eyebrows.

And it all comes amid another staff departure at Archewell, Meghan and Harry’s charitable organisation.

Reports in the Hollywood Reporter recently stated that Meghan is known as ‘Duchess Difficult’ and marches around like a ‘dictator in heels’ – a number of staff have walked away from the couple in recent years.

Meghan was also branded a bully and a ‘demon’ boss. These allegations, if true, can’t be healthy for any relationship.

Ashley Hansen, the couple’s communications chief for the past two years, is the most recent staffer to step down, marking the 19th staff member to leave the couple since they stepped down as working royals in 2020.

There’s no question that ’19’ departees is a number that some might say proves what it’s really like working for camp Sussex.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent trip to Colombia was somewhat of a success (Image: Getty)

However, unlike the 18 before her, Hansen will continue working for the couple as an advisor, specifically supporting Meghan’s new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

It is becoming increasingly clear that Meghan’s solo ventures are taking centre stage, positioning her in the spotlight while Harry retreats into his personal space.

Meghan’s confidence in attending events alone and her clear investment in personal projects indicate a woman ready to carve her own path.

But it raises the uncomfortable question: is she preparing to go it alone?

While Harry seems to be searching for answers in distant corners of the world, Meghan is visibly, resolutely, building her future.

Prince Harry seemed to thoroughly enjoy being on his own during his recent visit to South Africa (Image: Getty)

The stark contrast between Harry’s private retreats and Meghan’s public appearances seems to suggest that they are navigating diverging paths, at least for the moment.

For a couple that once seemed inseparable – united in their escape from royal constraints and their bold, sometimes controversial choices – this extended period apart feels like a significant shift.

Relationships evolve, and time apart is not necessarily a death knell, but it is telling that Harry, at this juncture, is opting for reflection away from his other half.

The coming months may provide more clarity, but for now, the once united front of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex seems fractured, with each finding their own way, separately.

Whether these separate journeys will ultimately bring them back together or drive them further apart remains to be seen.