Is this a sign of a rift in the royal couple’s relationship?

Harry’s secret trip and Meghan’s glamorous appearance

Prince Harry recently decided to extend his solo trip abroad, while Meghan Markle attended a Children’s Hospital Los Angeles event alone, which has caused a stir in the public about the status of their relationship.

It appears the 40-year-old Duke of Sussex is taking some time away from his life in California, and perhaps his marriage. The couple’s frequent absences from each other have led many to wonder: is Harry having a midlife crisis or simply taking a break to reflect?

Harry was due to return to California last weekend to join Meghan and their two children, but instead opted to stay in Africa for a few more days.

He was in Johannesburg last weekend on a rumoured visit to Cape Town, an area where the Spencer family owns property and where Harry has many friends.

It was a deeply personal trip that, strangely, was not added to his official itinerary — a secretive extension that raised more questions than it answered.

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle made a pretty clear statement at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles gala.

Dressed in a stunning red Carolina Herrera gown, she was the epitome of Hollywood glamour.

The event featured performances from Demi Lovato and appearances by stars like Kaley Cuoco and Jamie Lee Curtis. However, one notable absence was glaring: her husband, Prince Harry.

As Meghan dazzled in Los Angeles, Harry was on the other side of the world wrapping up a few weeks of solo engagements – a tour that brought a real ‘royal’ edge to the couple’s somewhat fractured image.

Signs of cracks becoming more and more obvious?

In case you didn’t know, the Sussexes have yet to escape the public outrage surrounding the Oprah interview, Harry’s memoir Spare, and the couple’s Netflix documentary of the same name.

During his solo tour in recent weeks, Harry met up with an old friend, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, where he gave a heartfelt speech around a campfire about the ongoing work of his charity, Sentebale.

His recent trips also include a solo trip to London, where he attended the WellChild Awards, and another to New York City for events during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week and Climate Week.

Notably, Harry did not take the opportunity to meet his father, King Charles, or brother, Prince William, during his visit to the UK.

Harry’s independent schedule has become a pattern over the past few weeks, leaving Meghan at home in Montecito, California, with their children, Archie and Lilibet.

This constant distance between them is fueling speculation that the couple, who have been married for six years, may actually be drifting apart.

Friends of the Sussexes are said to be concerned about the couple spending so much time apart. It’s hard not to wonder whether their fears are justified.

In a subtle move, on the evening of his 40th birthday, Harry chose to go hiking with friends in the Montecito mountains near the couple’s home instead of celebrating with his wife. They are also said to have disagreed over what to do for Christmas.

Meghan – “The Difficult Duchess” and the Wave of Staff Leaving

Perhaps it was simply a need for space, a desire to rediscover oneself away from constant scrutiny and high expectations.

But there’s no denying the timing of these separate appearances has raised eyebrows. And it all comes amid another staff departure from Archewell, Meghan and Harry’s charity.

Recent reports in the Hollywood Reporter have said Meghan is known as the ‘Duchess of Difficulty’. She parades around like a ‘dictator in high heels’. Several staff members have left the couple in recent years. Meghan has also been branded a bully and a ‘dreadful’ boss. These allegations, if true, could be unhealthy for any relationship.

Ashley Hansen, the couple’s communications director for the past two years, is the latest staff member to resign, marking the 19th staff member to leave the couple since they stepped back from their royal roles in 2020.

There’s no doubt that 19 people leaving is a number that some might say is a testament to what working for the Sussexes is really like.

However, unlike the previous 18, Hansen will continue to work for the couple as an advisor, notably supporting Meghan’s new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that Meghan’s own projects are taking center stage, putting her in the spotlight while Harry retreats into his personal space.

But it raises an uncomfortable question: is she preparing for a solo journey?

While Harry seems to be searching for answers in the far corners of the world, Meghan is determinedly building her future step by step.

The stark contrast between Harry’s private retreats and Meghan’s public appearances seems to suggest they are on different paths, at least for now.

For a couple who once seemed inseparable — united in their escape from royal constraints and their bold, sometimes controversial choices — this extended period of separation seems like a dramatic change.

Relationships evolve, and time apart isn’t necessarily a death knell, but it does show that Harry, at this point, is choosing to contemplate distancing himself from his “other half.”

The coming months may bring further clarity, but for now the former unity of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appears to have broken down, with each finding their own path.