Prince Harry’s recent trip to New York City has been seen by experts as a smart move in distancing himself from the controversies surrounding him and his wife, Meghan Markle.
Harry, 40, attended a series of charity events in New York City without Meghan, marking a new chapter in his public life. Experts believe that this solo effort could help repair his image, which has been damaged by ongoing media coverage of the couple’s exit from royal duties and subsequent public scrutiny.
Branding expert Doug Eldridge likened Harry’s solo public appearances to “splitting aces at the poker table,” explaining that “right now, when you see Harry and Meghan together,” they are often associated with royal controversies and negative press. Eldridge pointed out that by appearing alone, Harry has a chance to reshape his public persona. “For the time being, Harry can be seen like the charming guy he was always thought of, while Meghan is free to brand her forthcoming line of goods,” he added.
Harry’s relationship with his father, King Charles III, remains tense, with the two having limited contact since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal life in 2020. At the Clinton Global Initiative, one of Harry’s notable stops during his New York visit, he discussed the effects of social media on children’s mental health. The event was part of his ongoing advocacy for mental health, which has been a central cause in his public life.
The absence of Meghan Markle from Harry’s trip has not gone unnoticed. Some experts suggest that Harry may feel less pressure when appearing without her. Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, remarked, “Meghan’s presence can sometimes heighten his anxiety associated with security. He’s absent from that feeling this trip.”
Meghan’s nonattendance has sparked further speculation about the couple’s relationship and their public strategy. In a 2023 “Rolling Stone” article, both were branded as being in their “flop era,” with minimal significant accomplishments since their high-profile interviews and business ventures began. While Meghan stayed in California, reportedly ill during Harry’s previous engagement at the One805LIVE! concert hosted by Kevin Costner, royal commentators have been quick to assess whether their separate appearances reflect a professional or personal rift.
As Harry navigates life outside the royal spotlight, experts are mixed on whether working separately will benefit the Sussexes in the long term. Eldridge believes the short-term strategy may work in their favor, noting that it’s “productive for their public relations battles.” However, the impact on their partnership remains to be seen. In contrast, Schofield has expressed doubts about the future of their joint efforts. “I am not going to applaud Prince Harry for successfully networking,” Schofield said, adding that she has “higher expectations than that.”
Schofield further explained that while Harry might succeed individually, their public relations battles will be ongoing. “If we continue to see Prince Harry work away from Meghan after the new year, I think it’s fair to debate what a professional divorce means for the couple personally,” she added.
Harry’s strained relationship with his family, particularly his father and brother, has been well documented in his interviews, documentaries, and his memoir “Spare.” Since leaving royal life, Harry and Meghan have publicly discussed their grievances with the British press, which they claimed drove them away from royal duties. In “Spare,” Harry singled out Queen Camilla for leaking private conversations to the media and alleged that his brother, Prince William, physically attacked him during an argument.
Amid this turbulent backdrop, Harry’s solo appearances have given him an opportunity to return to his philanthropic roots. Hilary Fordwich, a British royals expert, pointed out that “Harry has stuck to what he is good at, being empathetic for a worthy cause, just like his mother was.” Fordwich also noted that by “refraining from criticizing his family” and avoiding negative narratives about his privileged life, Harry has a chance to reconnect with a broader audience.
The Sussexes’ strategy of operating separately has been met with mixed reviews, but Harry’s focus on mental health and charitable causes continues to receive praise. His appearance at the WellChild Awards in London on Sept. 30 was another solo endeavor, potentially solidifying this new approach to public engagement. As experts continue to debate the effectiveness of the Sussexes’ separation in the public sphere, it remains to be seen whether this strategy will result in long-term success or further division in their partnership.