Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 'professional split' crisis and expert's dire warning

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have recently been making more and more solo public appearances - and a PR crisis management expert has weighed in on why this might be the case and how they can ensure success in 2025

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle look set to make very important public appearances next week.

But rather than appearing side-by-side, the once inseperable pair are going solo yet again with events that are coasts apart. Next Wednesday (December 4), Meghan is expected to appear at a glitzy Hollywood party honouring her celeb pal Tyler Perry. Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in New York, Harry will be at The New York Times DealBook Conference.

The surprising diary decision is just the latest in a string of solo appearances for the couple; a marked difference from just two years ago when Meghan once likened herself and her husband to salt and pepper as they always "move together".

The Sussexes' professional distance has increased since they embarked on a joint tour of Colombia in the summer. Sources close to the couple say it shows their new "twin-track approach" with Harry focusing on his charity endeavours and Meghan on her entrepreneurial projects and business, such as her brand, American Rivieria Orchard.

But could there be a more strategic reason for more separate public appearances? According to PR and crisis expert Ed Coram-James, it could be all down to a bid to save their brand. And he has a stern warning for the couple.

The CEO of marketing agency Go Up told the Mirror: "Meghan and Harry's brand has been tainted beyond repair. The relentless media backlash, fuelled by their misguided PR moves, has left them in a position where joint branding is no longer viable. Harry's attempts to reclaim his reputation after stepping back from royal duties are overshadowed by his relationship with Meghan, whose own controversies — be it with her family or her public opinions — have made them a lightning rod for criticism.

"If Meghan and Harry want to make 2025 their year, they should focus on what they do best and take a break from their joint projects. Meghan should lean into her strengths — her acting career, her philanthropic work, and her brand as a trailblazer for women’s rights.

"She could easily tap into Hollywood again, using her acting experience, without the baggage of being a Duchess. Acting offers her the opportunity to shape her image, far from the royal narrative that has been forced upon her. A carefully constructed acting comeback could help her rebuild a fanbase and create a new, more positive legacy.

"Harry, on the other hand, should double down on his work with veterans and conservation. He's been genuinely committed to these causes, like his beloved Invictus Games, long before all the royal drama, and they continue to resonate with people. His role as a war veteran and conservation advocate provides authenticity, which is something the public values."

Meghan is gearing up to launch her brand American Rivieria Orchard next year, while Harry's Invictus Games will take place in February in Vancouver and Whistler in Canada. And Ed believes there is a simple way forward for the couple if he were to advise them - and how they can achieve their professional goals.

He explained: "Beyond business, Meghan is already making strides in the philanthropic space. We saw her success with the Archewell Foundation and her ongoing work around gender equality, mental health, and racial justice. She needs to double down on these areas but with less spectacle. More grassroots work, fewer headlines. If she avoids overexposing herself — a la Netflix or Spotify deals — and focuses on deeply meaningful work, Meghan could carve out a legacy that stands the test of time.

"As for Harry, his best path forward might be to establish more independence from Meghan in terms of his public and professional life. He’s the only one who can salvage his career and legacy. By staying true to his work with veterans, conservation, and mental health, Harry could leave the toxic circus behind.

"Let's face it — his association with Meghan will always be seen as a liability in the eyes of many. He needs to go solo and focus on causes that matter to him, leaving the stories about his marriage and Royal Family behind."