Meghan Markle recently stunned at a gala in Los Angeles, California, where she appeared solo, sparking further speculation about her relationship with Prince Harry. Meghan, 43, attended the event on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the LA Children’s Hospital, sporting a red Carolina Herrera gown that she had previously worn at a veterans’ gala in New York with Harry in 2021. At the event, Meghan mingled with attendees, including Demi Lovato and Kaley Cuoco, and even took time to greet young fans in the crowd.
This solo appearance comes amid rumors that Meghan and Harry have spent more time apart. Royal experts have noted that the couple, who were once inseparable, have not been seen together publicly in the past three weeks. On The Sun’s Royal Exclusive Live, royal photographer Arthur Edwards commented, “I don’t think Meghan can come here much. I don’t think people think too much of her.”
This follows reports that Harry marked his 40th birthday without Meghan, fueling speculation. To celebrate, the duke joined friends for a hiking trip. He also did not include his 43-year-old wife in his birthday message. While sources close to them maintain that Meghan arranged the outing, experts have suggested this could indicate possible strain in their relationship.
Additionally, Meghan reportedly canceled a last-minute appearance at a charity event in Santa Barbara, where Harry was seen alone. Insiders suggested that Meghan was unwell, but this last-minute change added to the rumors of distance between the couple. The Duke of Sussex has also been spotted dining alone at a local café and even touring a haunted maze on “The Tonight Show” without Meghan.
Veteran royal correspondent Jennie Bond discussed the couple’s recent activities, noting that Meghan is not well-liked and seems uninterested in returning. She mentioned that they appear to be pursuing separate paths to some degree, with Harry taking multiple solo trips while Meghan concentrates on her projects.
Despite this, sources close to the couple have dismissed rumors of a serious rift, suggesting that it is normal for couples not to do everything together. A confidante of the couple insisted that they continue to share a strong bond and have been actively working on their initiatives, including the recently launched Parents Network to support families who have lost children to online harm.
Both Meghan and Harry continue to engage in individual pursuits. Meghan has been working on her lifestyle brand, American Orchard Riviera, although the project has faced several challenges. Reports suggest she has struggled to secure a CEO for the brand and has encountered legal disputes over the company’s name.
Prince Harry recently visited the UK to attend the WellChild Awards and then traveled alone to Africa for his charity, Sentebale. During his time in the UK, he did not meet with his father or brother, but he seemed energized and content. According to one observer, he resembled the Harry, whom they remembered fondly, appearing full of energy and quite happy on his own.