Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'separate lives' as rumours swirl

Just two years ago, Meghan Markle famously likened her relationship with Prince Harry to "salt and pepper", stating they always "move together". However, recent events suggest a shift in this dynamic, with both royals making solo appearances.

Last month, Harry was away from Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for at least two weeks, making public appearances in New York, London, and Southern Africa. Meanwhile, Meghan kept a low profile, although she did attend a star-studded gala for the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, stunning in a vibrant red gown.

She also made a solo visit to a girls' leadership organisation on International Day of the Girl, noticeably without her engagement ring. This followed Harry's attendance at a charity event for first responders hosted by Hollywood actor Kevin Costner, which Meghan reportedly missed due to illness.

This came several weeks after their joint trip to Colombia. The couple's seemingly separate career paths have sparked rumours about their private life, including a report that Harry spent his 40th birthday on a hiking holiday with friends, rather than with his wife, reports the Mirror.

A source close to the Sussexes has spoken out in The Sun, saying: "It is normal for couples to not do everything together" - highlighting that it was Meghan who organised the trip for Harry. However, local buzz has been growing as the Montecito Journal reported on rumours about Harry and Meghan leading "increasingly separate lives".

But industry experts have shed light on the situation, suggesting there's a strategic reason for their individual public engagements. PR guru Mark Borkowski told The Telegraph that the Sussexes' "separation of work" is part of a longer-term strategy, particularly as Meghan focuses on her new American Riviera Orchard brand.

He suggests that their initial joint star appeal post-royal exit didn't pan out as expected, stating: "They had to change the narrative. They need a venture that deflects from the failures."

He added: "The charity aspect impresses upon everybody that he [Harry] does have value beyond the controversial stuff. It has the effect of separating them from the bad press and the failed content ideas. The punters still have time for Harry."

Meanwhile, a friend of the couple assured People magazine that Meghan's recent absence from Harry's side doesn't indicate trouble in paradise but reflects their parenting approach, with one of them always staying back with the children.

A source said: "It’s clear that a twin-track approach is evolving.

"The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals – not just as a couple. The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track."

They went on to detail: "An entrepreneurial and enterprise focus is going to be more the Duchess's priority and the Duke will continue to champion his not-for-profit patronages. But there will be joint efforts around those cause-driven areas of work."

In further news indicating promising developments for the pair, they are reported to have invested over £6million in a holiday home in Portugal, where they join the community of Harry's cousin Princess Eugenie, her spouse Jack, and their children August and Ernest.

A source speaking to OK! highlighted the potential of the property as a perfect holiday hideaway: "It gives them an escape outside of America and means they can safely holiday in Europe in the sunshine. When they're there, Harry can easily go to England if he feels the need to, and it also gives friends and some members of the family the opportunity to visit them as it's only a short flight. The invitation for Charles to come and see his grandchildren is there and now it will be up to them whether they take it up."

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