Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s lives have undergone major transformations in recent years. The couple relocated to the US seeking a more private life, but instead, they’ve found themselves at the center of global media attention. Their travels, which some have dubbed “royal tours” to places like South America and Africa, have only added to the spotlight.

As they explore separate professional ventures—rumored to extend beyond mere business decisions—the couple has purchased a new home in Portugal. This new European residence follows their eviction from Frogmore Cottage last year by King Charles. The move places them closer to the Royal Family, providing their children, Archie and Lilibet, an opportunity to connect with their cousins.

However, Archie and Lilibet are unable to visit the UK due to their parents’ concerns about security. A royal expert has encouraged Harry and Meghan to reconsider, warning that their refusal to reconcile could negatively impact their children’s future relationships with the Royal Family.

The couple, married for over six years, once shared what Meghan described as a “salt and pepper” dynamic. However, rumors suggest their relationship may have taken a turn for the worse. Speculation about a rift in their marriage has been fueled by Meghan’s recent solo appearances.

Although the Sussexes have not officially commented on the rumors, sources indicate the Duchess is feeling the pressure. A source told GB News, “She has really felt the strain in recent weeks, and with all the speculation surrounding her and Harry and their marriage.”

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s ‘Professional Split’

“They haven’t done themselves any favours by doing so many separate events but this is what they have decided to do as it works best for them at the moment as a couple and they both feel they can shine at events that are close to their hearts,” the source explained.

The insider added, “But it does upset her that, while Harry was getting praised for all of his appearances, she is getting criticised for what she says, what she wears, etc and it brings back hurtful memories of when she was a royal.”

Despite widespread rumors that the couple is leading separate lives, PR expert Ed Coram James believes this decision might be strategic. Speaking to the Mirror, Coram James stated that the Sussexes had a “distinct brand as a duo for many years.” However, since their controversial Oprah interview, their brand has become “more toxic” and “commercially untenable.”

The PR expert elaborated, explaining that major brands might hesitate to collaborate with the Sussexes because of this. “This is because the ongoing confrontation with the rest of the Royal Family, as well as much of Meghan’s family, have made them appear confrontational and combative, their string of commercial projects that haven’t worked out and have led to a sense that they aren’t the best producers. And their worldwide publicity tour made them look whiney, ungrateful, and unconscious to the enormous privilege that they have enjoyed,” he told the Mirror.

“To overcome the obstacles of appearing spoiled, arrogant, immature, attention-seeking, aggressive, fight-picking, hypocritical, and incompetent is very tricky. But, it is achievable. To do it, they need to lean into the exact opposites of these labels. The first step in this always had to be to dissociate themselves from the brand that had achieved such labels in the first place.”

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Purchase Property in Portugal

Coram James continued, “When combined, the Sussexes brand is, from a PR perspective, toxic. But, when separate, they have a genuine chance of creating an entirely separate brand, with completely different labels. If they manage to achieve this, then one day they could again reunite brands, and create a new combined brand that works.”