Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'separate lives' rumours from solo events to pal's shutdown

After being seen both making a string of solo appearances, many have speculated about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's future - and how their careers and lives could be headed in different directions

It was just two years ago that Meghan Markle famously said that she and Prince Harry are like "salt and pepper" - they always "move together".

But recently, this doesn't seem to have been the case with both of them making solo appearances without the other - setting tongues wagging. Just last month, Harry was away from Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for at least two weeks with public appearances in New York, London, as well as Southern Africa.

During his travels, Meghan was barely seen, however, she did attend a star-studded gala in aid of the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, wearing an eye-popping red gown as she posed for photographers. It also emerged she made a solo visit to a girls' leadership organisation to mark International Day of the Girl - minus her engagement ring.

It came after Harry attended a charity event for first responders held by Hollywood actor Kevin Costner without Meghan, who was reportedly sick and was unable to attend - several weeks after their joint trip to Colombia. The apparent pursuit of separate careers has also seen rumours swirl about their private life with one report alleging Harry spent the night of his 40th birthday with pals on a hiking holiday instead of his wife.

However, a source close to the couple told The Sun: "It is normal for couples to not do everything together" - and said it was Meghan who arranged the trip for her husband. But even Harry and Meghan's local newspaper, the Montecito Journal picked up on the gossip surrounding the couple about their "increasingly separate lives".

However, experts have explained why the couple appear to be on separate paths - especially when it comes to their careers. PR expert Mark Borkowski told The Telegraph that the Sussexes' "separation of work" has been ongoing for a while now, especially as Meghan works on her new American Riviera Orchard brand.

And he believes the reason behind their solo appearances is because their "star power" as a couple that they believed they might have had when they dramatically quit their royal roles "didn't work". He explained: "They had to change the narrative. They need a venture that deflects from the failures.

"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 Sussexes explained that Meghan's absence in recent weeks from Harry's appearances far from signals a split. They told People magazine: "[It's] as much a reflection on parenting priorities, in that one of them stays behind with the children."

Another source reportedly close to the couple, also said the reason for the solo appearances is down to a shift in their ventures. They told People magazine: "It's clear that a twin-track approach is evolving." While another alleged friend added: "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."

"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."

Meanwhile, last week in a positive sign for the couple, it was reported that they have splashed out over £6million for a holiday home in Portugal, where their neighbours include Harry's cousin Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack and their children August and Ernest.

And according to an insider, it could offer them an idyllic retreat under the European sun. They told OK!: "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."