Speculation has been rife regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship status in recent months. The couple, who relocated to California in 2020 after stepping back from royal duties, have made numerous solo public appearances that have fueled rumors about the state of their marriage. Both Harry and Meghan's actions and latest projects have also faced backlash and criticism, taking a toll on the couple.
In September, Harry spent over two weeks apart from his family while attending various events in New York, London, and Africa. Meanwhile, Meghan attended two solo engagements in California - a star-studded charity gala and an event to mark International Day of the Girl. Notably absent on both occasions was her giant engagement ring from Harry. The duchess' ring-less appearances only added fuel to the fire of rumors that all was not well between the Sussexes.
Their evident separate schedules and Meghan being seen without her ring were prominently featured in the tabloid press. Reports emerged that the duke and duchess were "leading increasingly separate lives." This speculation of marital issues comes as yet another blow for Harry and Meghan, who are already embroiled in an ongoing rift with the royal family. Their decision to step back from the monarchy in 2020 and subsequent interviews and projects criticizing the Firm have seriously strained relationships.
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The release of the Sussexes' Netflix docuseries in December 2022 was a major tipping point. Harry and Meghan left no stone unturned in their tell-all show, making a series of shocking claims about their treatment by the royal household. This was followed just weeks later by Harry's bombshell memoir Spare in January 2023. Both projects plunged the monarchy into further crisis, already reeling from Queen Elizabeth's death. Some royal family members are said to be unwilling to forgive the couple for the intense global scrutiny brought upon the institution.
It seems Harry and Meghan have also burned bridges closer to home, having reportedly fallen out with their longtime friends David and Victoria Beckham. Allegations emerged that the Sussexes grew suspicious of friends leaking stories to the press and accused the Beckhams of being culprits. Meghan was said to have directly questioned Victoria, while Harry allegedly called David to discuss the matter. The Beckhams were outraged by the accusation and famously stopped responding to the couple's attempts at contact following the incident.
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The pair's stellar careers have only continued to grow since distancing from Harry and Meghan. Last year, they released their own highly successful Netflix series titled 'The Beckhams' to rave reviews. In contrast, the American reception to the Sussexes' docuseries was hugely negative. Within a month, Harry's popularity ratings had plunged 45 points while Meghan lost 36 points according to US polls.
Google Trends data also showed search interest in the Beckhams spiked massively compared to barely a blip for Harry and Meghan after their shows' releases. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, The Beckhams has a near perfect audience score of 98% compared to Harry and Meghan's dismal 19%. The public reception highlights the diverging trajectories of the two couples and their relative standings in the eyes of the global audience.
Amid all the fervor, reports emerged that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are "focusing on different things" with "a twin track evolving." A source said "the Duke appears focused on his patronage work and The Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track." While their solo ventures allow them to "shine at events that are close to their hearts," it has nonetheless taken its toll on Meghan.
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Constant speculation about their marriage issues and separate lives have reportedly been upsetting the Duchess. She is said to feel the criticism acutely, reminding her of the intense backlash faced as a working royal. "It does upset her that while Harry was getting praised for all of his appearances she is getting criticized for what she says, what she wears, etc. and it brings back hurtful memories," the insider divulged.
Meghan's recent Hollywood return caused a media frenzy as she glamorously stepped out in show-stopping designer gowns for charity events. However, renewed interest also reignited controversies, such as reports she called herself "the most bullied person in the world." A confidant says "she wants people to remember how tough she has had it" but the ongoing speculation and scrutiny have often "gotten the better of her."
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Though the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may be developing separate public careers and interests, the toll of constant rumors on their relationship remains evident. Questions over how deep the rumored royal rift goes also persist. While both continue lone missions on opposite ends of the world, a meaningful reconciliation with the royal family appears far on the horizon for now. Only time will tell if the couple can emerge from this period of intense global focus on their troubled union with their bond intact.
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