The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to the spotlight, sparking conversations after making appearances at various public events separately. Although they were expected to attend a prestigious gathering together, the actress ultimately arrived on her own.
Prince Harry recently dispelled divorce rumors amid criticism about his professional relationship with his wife, Meghan Markle, which a source has labeled as being in a “very bad state.” A friend has since offered insight into their dynamic, aiming to clarify the situation.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Royal biographer Angela Levin speculated about potential strains in their professional relationship, citing Prince Harry’s unresolved U.S. visa issues and reports of their interest in purchasing property in Portugal.
Levin remarked, “They say they’re going to work separately, then they say they’re buying a house in Portugal—you don’t do that if you don’t want to separate for most of the time, so I wonder if it’s in a very bad state. But I’m sure they’re trying to work out something.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala on December 6, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Levin’s remarks bring attention to the ongoing discussion surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s evolving dynamic, particularly as they balance separate and shared commitments.
This shift was previously described by a friend as a “twin-track approach” in an interview. Prince Harry remains dedicated to philanthropic endeavors, while Markle is leaning into entrepreneurial projects and commercial ventures.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at the United Nations Headquarters on July 18, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
“An entrepreneurial and enterprise focus is going to be more the Duchess’s priority, and the Duke will continue to champion his not-for-profit patronages,” the friend explained. Despite their individual pursuits, the couple is expected to collaborate on shared, cause-driven initiatives.
As part of their commitment to community-focused efforts, Markle and The Archewell Foundation recently hosted a dinner in celebration of Thanksgiving for the Southern California Welcome Project.
Meghan Markle attends the dinner for The Welcome Project at Our Place on October 26, 2024, in Venice, California. | Source: Getty Images
This initiative supports Afghan women resettled in the U.S. through storytelling and safe spaces. Held at Our Place, the event featured a shared meal, meaningful conversations, and gifts of cookware.
Shiza Shahid and Meghan Markle at the dinner for The Welcome Project at Our Place on October 26, 2024, in Venice, California. | Source: Getty Images
The Duchess expressed gratitude for the women’s stories, emphasizing resilience and unity while looking forward to future gatherings to deepen these connections.
Meghan Markle at Our Place on October 26, 2024, in Venice, California. | Source: Getty Images
This balanced approach to her and Prince Harry’s professional and personal lives has naturally fueled public curiosity, with many speculating about the state of their relationship.
At The New York Times’ 2024 DealBook Summit, Prince Harry addressed ongoing speculation about his relationship with Markle who was seen without her engagement ring in October, which has been heightened by their separate public appearances.
Andrew Ross Sorkin and Prince Harry during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 on December 4, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
With a touch of humor, he commented on the exaggerated rumors, saying, “Apparently, we’ve bought or moved house 10, 12 times. We’ve apparently, divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it’s just like, ‘What?'”
Prince Harry’s lighthearted dismissal of the rumors was followed by a candid acknowledgment of the challenges posed by relentless speculation. He admitted, “It’s hard to keep up” with the swirling narratives, but shared his straightforward solution to intrusive media coverage: ignoring it altogether.
“Once you stop reading the stuff about yourself, you automatically remove the power from their hands,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of disengaging to maintain peace of mind.
Andrew Ross Sorkin and Prince Harry speak onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 on December 4, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
As Prince Harry addressed the speculation at the conference, Markle was in Beverly Hills at the 2024 Paley Honors Fall Gala, honoring their close friend Tyler Perry as he received the Paley Center for Media’s top accolade.
Prince Harry speaks onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 on December 4, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Though the Duke was named a tribute chair alongside the Duchess, he did not attend the event, marking yet another occasion where they didn’t appear together.
Meghan Markle at The Paley Honors Fall Gala on December 4, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
At the gala, the Duchess of Sussex radiated positivity as she celebrated Perry’s achievements.
Meghan Markle at The Paley Honors Fall Gala honoring Tyler Perry on December 4, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
She posed for photos alongside the filmmaker, who was recognized for his exceptional contributions to media and philanthropy.
Meghan Markle and Tyler Perry at The Paley Honors Fall Gala on December 4, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The Paley Honors, recognized as a tribute to individuals whose “groundbreaking achievements in media have consistently set the bar for excellence,” celebrated Perry’s extraordinary work as an actor, writer, director, producer, studio head, and philanthropist.
Tyler Perry and Meghan Markle on December 4, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The event marked Markle and Perry’s first red carpet appearance together. The actress and her husband attended the billionaire’s 55th birthday in September 2024.
Meghan Markle and Tyler Perry pose together at The Paley Center for Media Hosts Paley Honors Fall Gala Honoring Tyler Perry on December 4, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Their bond began in 2018 when Perry offered support to Markle before her royal wedding. However, their friendship became publicly evident in early 2020 when Perry acknowledged her comment about how rarely people genuinely ask about her well-being during an interview with ITV news presenter Tom Bradby for a documentary filmed in Africa.
Meghan Markle at The Paley Center for Media Hosts Paley Honors Fall Gala Honoring Tyler Perry on December 4, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The filmmaker, who hails from Louisiana, observed that while people often ask, “How are you doing?” they seldom mean it or truly listen to the answer.
That same year, the “Madea” star played a key role in the royal couple’s move to the U.S., providing his private jet and offering his $18 million Santa Barbara home as a safe haven.
“They hid out at my house for a long time. It was so great,” Perry revealed. Their connection began when he sent a message of support through their shared publicist, later speaking with Markle in what he described as a therapeutic conversation.
He emphasized the importance of providing a safe space where they could trust and talk freely, adding that he carefully monitored their privacy during their stay to ensure they remained undisturbed. “They were so happy. It was such a beautiful moment,” he added.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend the Athletics Competition at Zuiderpark on April 17, 2022, in The Hague, Netherlands. | Source: Getty Images
Perry, who serves as godfather to their daughter Princess Lilibet, remains a vital part of their lives and was also featured in their Netflix documentary, where their closest confidantes and allies shared testimonies about their lives during and after their time in the royal family.
A steadfast ally of the Sussexes, Perry has often expressed admiration for their bond. Reflecting on their challenges, he described it as a “very difficult time” and shared his desire to support them.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visit a local farming family, the Woodleys, on October 17, 2018, in Dubbo, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Speaking on the “Today” show, he expressed his admiration for the couple, emphasizing their deep love for one another. He remarked that if he couldn’t have a bond like theirs, he wouldn’t want it at all, calling their connection “really amazing.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s steadfast bond remains evident, even amid intense public scrutiny. Perry’s continued support for the couple emphasizes the importance of trusted allies during their journey.
