Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first joint appearance in nearly two months on November 7, 2024, through a video message for a UN conference in Colombia amid growing speculation about their professional and personal relationship.
In the video message for the Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle presented a far more strained and detached front than usual, fueling ongoing rumors of tension between them.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex addressed online child protection issues in their video appearance, with sources noting they appeared “stiff” in their presentation. During the message, they acknowledged feeling “at a crossroads” with their work, emphasizing the urgency of protecting children in the digital age.
Body language expert Judi James noted Harry’s rigid “military pose” and stern expression, with his hands clasped behind his back. Meghan’s attempts to mirror his stance appeared awkward rather than unified. Meghan’s frequent, almost anxious glances toward Harry, met with little reciprocation, suggested a dynamic of tension rather than harmony.
When Harry finally placed his arm around Meghan near the video’s conclusion, it seemed less an act of warmth than a stiff attempt to project unity, as if for the camera alone. This rare joint appearance marks a notable shift from their more spontaneous displays of affection, hinting at an underlying rift that may be deeper than appearances suggest.
According to a royal biographer, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s professional relationship is currently in a very poor state.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had not made a joint appearance in over a month, and royal expert Angela Levin suggests they are determining their next steps as Harry, now 40, appears to be experiencing issues with his U.S. visa.
The couple’s last notable public appearance was at the “Bob Marley: One Love” premiere in Kingston, Jamaica, where body language experts observed their behavior. Their body language showed a sense of unity, with Meghan’s demeanor appearing careful and refined rather than spontaneous, while Harry came across as slightly more uneasy in contrast.
Since stepping back from their royal duties in 2020, the Sussexes have focused on building their life in California while managing various professional ventures. Their relationship with the royal family has remained complex, marked by the release of their Netflix docuseries and Harry’s memoir “Spare.”
Sources close to the couple have resisted speculation of marital troubles, stating that their current focus on individual projects is strategic rather than indicative of relationship problems. The couple reportedly remains “deeply united as a couple,” with their marriage described as solid and without signs of trouble.
Recently, journalist Tina Brown’s assessment of Meghan Markle reportedly left the Duchess “inconsolable with tears.” Additionally, there are suggestions that Meghan may keep a personal memoir “in her back pocket” for future use.
The couple continues to manage their charitable work through their foundation, Archewell while maintaining separate schedules for various engagements. Their approach to public appearances has evolved, with sources suggesting this may reflect a new direction in how they collaborate professionally while maintaining their relationship.