Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, attended a glamorous haircare launch party in Venice, California, marking another solo appearance that adds to a growing pattern of independent engagements for the royal couple.
The Duchess, 43, invested in and celebrated the launch of the Highbrow Hippie haircare line at Gjelina restaurant on November 14, 2024. Wearing a black strapless jumpsuit with matching heels, she was accompanied by celebrity hairstylist Serge Normant and makeup artist Daniel Martin. During the evening, Markle danced with friends as a gospel choir performed.
“Kadi has a mastery of hair health, and her Highbrow Hippie collection is a perfect reflection of that,” Markle said of co-founder Kadi Lee. “I am so proud to invest in her as a friend and as a female founder.”
The evening featured an intimate gathering of beauty industry professionals and close friends. Markle spent considerable time discussing hair care innovations with Lee and her business partner, Myka Harris. Sources at the event noted the Duchess’s enthusiastic participation in discussions about clean beauty and sustainable hair care practices.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at the Grey Cup in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to promote the upcoming Invictus Games. Prince Harry shared his thoughts on which position he’d choose if he were in the Canadian Football League, mentioning that quarterback would be an appealing role. When discussing the Invictus Games, he highlighted it as a valuable chance for participants and their families to experience healing and recovery through sport. The Duke of Sussex also expressed excitement about the upcoming event, noting that they will return to Canada in under three months for the opening ceremony in February, marking the first winter sports edition of the games in 2025.
The couple’s independent appearances have multiplied in recent months. Markle attended the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala solo in October, garnering attention in a striking red Carolina Herrera gown. Prince Harry made separate trips to Africa and the United Kingdom for various charitable engagements.
Their $14.65 million Montecito mansion in Santa Barbara, California, features separate office spaces where they manage their individual projects. A source close to the couple revealed that they still want to be together but want to do things separately. It’s a strategic decision for their brand building.
Royal biographer Omid Scobie observed, “Their professional relationship is in a very bad state,” suggesting tensions in their working partnership. (nypost.com)
Royal commentator Jennie Bond added that Meghan has a distinct and independent way of life, which doesn’t resonate with many people in the UK. She isn’t widely popular there, and it’s believed that she has little desire to return, resulting in her and Harry pursuing separate paths in certain aspects of their lives. Despite this, there is still optimism and a belief that Harry finds true happiness in his current circumstances., “There’s no trouble in their marriage as they launch separate projects. I hope the little boy I knew all those years ago is happy.”
The couple recently made their first joint appearance in months via video for a UN conference on online child protection, demonstrating continued collaboration on shared causes. Industry experts suggest their separate appearances reflect a calculated business strategy to expand their influence while maintaining their partnership on key initiatives.