Is this a sign of a rift in the royal couple’s relationship?
Prince Harry recently decided to extend his solo trip abroad, while Meghan Markle attended a Children’s Hospital Los Angeles event alone, which has sparked speculation about the state of their relationship.
It seems the Duke of Sussex, 40, is taking some time away from his life in California, and perhaps his marriage. The couple’s frequent absences from each other have led many to wonder: Is Harry having a midlife crisis or is he simply taking a break to reflect?
Harry was supposed to return to California last weekend to reunite with Meghan and their two children. Instead, he opted to stay in Africa for a few more days.
He was in Johannesburg last weekend for a rumored visit to Cape Town, an area where the Spencer family owns property and where Harry has many friends.
It was a deeply personal trip that, oddly enough, wasn’t added to his official itinerary – a secretive extension that raised more questions than it answered.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle made a pretty clear statement at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles gala.
The event featured performances by Demi Lovato and appearances by stars like Kaley Cuoco and Jamie Lee Curtis. But one notable absence was clear: her husband, Prince Harry.
As Meghan dazzled in Los Angeles, Harry was on the other side of the world wrapping up a few weeks of solo engagements – a tour that brought a truly ‘royal’ feel to the couple’s somewhat fractured image.
More signs of a rift?
In case you didn’t know, the Sussexes have not escaped the public furor surrounding the Oprah interview, Harry’s memoir Spare, and the couple’s Netflix documentary of the same name.
During his solo travels in recent weeks, Harry reunited with his old friend Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, where he gave a heartfelt speech around a campfire about the ongoing work of his charity, Sentebale.
His recent trips have also included a solo trip to London, where he attended the WellChild Awards, and another to New York City for events during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week and Climate Week.
Notably, Harry did not take the opportunity to meet his father, King Charles, or his brother, Prince William, during his visit to the UK.
Harry’s solo schedule has become a pattern over the past few weeks. This has left Meghan at home in Montecito, California, with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
This continued distance between them is fuelling speculation that the couple, who have been married for six years, may actually be drifting apart.
Friends of the Sussexes are reportedly concerned about the couple spending so much time apart. It’s hard not to wonder if their fears are justified.
In a subtle move, on the evening of his 40th birthday, Harry opted to go hiking with friends in the Montecito mountains near the couple’s home instead of celebrating with his wife. They are also said to have disagreed over what to do for Christmas.
Meghan – the ‘difficult Duchess’ and the wave of staff departures
Perhaps it’s simply a need for space, a desire to rediscover themselves away from constant scrutiny and high expectations.
But there’s no denying the timing of these separate appearances has raised eyebrows. And it all comes amid another staff departure from Archewell, Meghan and Harry’s charity.
Recent reports in the Hollywood Reporter have suggested that Meghan is known as the ‘Duchess of Difficulty’. She parades around like a ‘dictator in high heels’. Several staff have left the couple in recent years. Meghan has also been branded a bully and a ‘monstrous’ boss. These allegations, if true, could be unhealthy for any relationship.
Ashley Hansen, the couple’s communications director for the past two years, is the latest employee to resign, marking the 19th staff member to leave the couple since they stepped back from their royal roles in 2020.
There’s no doubt that 19 departures is a number that some might say is a testament to the