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When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and moved to California, many saw it as the beginning of their journey to become an internationally renowned power couple on par with Hollywood elite like George and Amal Clooney. However, according to some royal commentators, that ambition appears to be unraveling as the Sussexes pursue increasingly separate projects and experiences growing distance from the British royal family.
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Richard Eden, a royal expert and commentator, recently noted on the "Palace Confidential" podcast that Harry and Meghan seem to be diverging in their approaches, suggesting their initial vision as a collaborative power couple is shifting. When they first launched their Archewell podcast in late 2020, it very much presented as a joint project between the Duke and Duchess, setting the tone for future collaborative efforts. A similar spirit of teamwork was seen in their 2021 Netflix documentary series.
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However, Eden pointed out the couple now appears to be rethinking that strategy, with Meghan and Harry taking on distinct, divergent projects under their multi-million dollar Netflix deal. Meghan is developing an untitled cooking and lifestyle show slated to premiere next year, while Harry is working on a documentary about the Invictus Games. Their dream of being an international power duo comparable to the Clooneys or Obamas may now be in shambles, Eden claimed, especially since Meghan did not accompany Harry on his recent solo trip to New York.
Royal author Victoria Murphy agreed, noting Meghan seems focused on advancing her business ventures while Harry reflects on his royal roots. Initiatives like Invictus and his work with WellChild were highly impactful when he was a senior royal, but now Meghan is dedicating significant effort to her Archewell branding, including their American Riviera lifestyle site which has hit naming issues.
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Meanwhile, Charlotte Griffiths, another royal commentator, said contacts have indicated Harry is looking back nostalgically to his heyday conducting philanthropic work through his royal platform. Initiatives for Sentebale and Invictus resonated greatly with the public during that period of his life. This seeming desire to reconnect with past successes explains Harry's return to the UK next week to serve as guest of honor at the WellChild Awards while Meghan remains in California.
Harry and Meghan's split ambitions appear emblematic of broader tensions simmering between the Sussexes and the royal family. Sources say Meghan was understandably upset by the royal family's choice to post a birthday message to Harry on his 40th birthday in September without including her in the accompanying photograph.
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While King Charles and Camilla's greeting to Harry was warm, some saw omitting Meghan as symbolic, whether intentional or not. Meghan reportedly believes it reinforces she is being pushed aside by the family. Well-wishes from Prince William and Kate Middleton on Harry's birthday were also without mention or photos of Meghan, further fueling her frustrations.
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The episode marks the latest in a pattern of perceived slights toward Meghan, from being excluded in photos on Archie's christening day to no public birthday wishes from Charles last year. It seems to validate her long-held belief that as non-working royals, she and Harry have been sidelined by the institution.
Going forward, the dynamics will likely remain tense. Harry continues to appear solo at events like his recent New York trip for veterans organizations without Meghan. She seems content living separately with their children in California while he continues UK commitments. Harry is the only Sussex making a return next week alone for the WellChild awards.
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As the couple navigate life post-royals in diverging directions, it's unclear if they will truly fulfil ambitions of international power coupledom. For Meghan, gestures like the birthday snub reinforce she remains on the outside of the family, despite Harry's willingness to still engage. Their relationship with the monarchy and each other appears increasingly fractured, calling into question whether a path back into the royal fold will ever fully accept them both.
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