Prince Harry and Meghan Markle now face "crunch time" following Donald Trump's re-election in the US - and consequences could cap off a "horrible year".
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remained defiant in a video released on Thursday to show they still work as a unit - despite reaching "a crossroads" with ventures. It is some stark contrast from the "salt and pepper" picture Meghan had painted in a famous interview just two years ago.
Their first public appearance together in almost three months came in the backdrop of concern Donald Trump may deport Harry, 40, after he admitted in his memoirs Spare to taking drugs in the US. Trump, 78, is thought to be ready to uphold one of his threats made earlier this year.
Now a source has said: "This has turned into an annus horribilis (horrible year) for Harry. There was a huge backlash to [his autobiography] Spare which they were not expecting – as Harry said, he thought they would get an apology from the Royal Family. Instead they were mocked in [the satirical cartoon show] South Park and had to duck for cover.
"Since the summer they have had months of terrible press – attacks from The Hollywood Reporter and from [former Vanity Fair editor and Royal author] Tina Brown over the marriage, the charity and what Meghan is like as a boss. Nobody can understand why they haven’t done anything together while this has taken hold."
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Anadolu via Getty Images)Harry is facing the prospect of some deep embarrassment over the question of what he admitted about his previous drug use – as detailed in his memoir Spare – to the authorities when he moved to America from the UK in 2020. The consequences could be dire, and it seems his fate lies in the hands of President-elect Trump – who has made his dislike of the couple clear.
It could even mean the Duke has to leave his £12million mansion in Montecito, California, with its swimming pool and chicken coop, and his coddled life playing polo at the local club, dining on $50 (£38) pizzas alongside other millionaires and walking barefoot on the beach with his security team, who are now his closest pals.
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Town & Country)But an insider told Mail Online: "Harry’s in California. It’s his home and where he expects to live indefinitely – with Meghan. They are very happy in California. They are both focused on the work which they are doing here." The couple's children Archie, five, and three-year-old Lilibet, are seemingly settled in the area with Archie attending school there.
And the video on Thursday highlighted Harry and Meghan's strength, as they stood shoulder to shoulder with each other - both wearing poppies ahead of Remembrance Sunday - at their home.
A solemn Harry delicately places his hand on Meghan's back in the two-minute clip, during which Meghan proudly calls Harry "my husband". Smiling, the mum of two says: "My husband and I recognise today’s reality is marked by greater connectivity and advanced technology, which of course has many positives, but which also compels us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself in this age."
English (US) ·