Prince Harry’s recent journey to New York City is viewed by some experts as a calculated step to separate himself from the controversies involving him and his wife, Meghan Markle.
Harry, who is 40 years old, attended various charity events in New York City alone, indicating a new phase in his public life. Some analysts suggest this solo endeavor could contribute to improving his image, which has suffered due to continuous media attention on his and Meghan’s departure from royal responsibilities and the subsequent public scrutiny.
Doug Eldridge, a branding specialist, compared Harry’s lone public outings to “splitting aces at the poker table,” stating that “right now, when you see Harry and Meghan together,” they are frequently linked to royal scandals and unfavorable press. Eldridge indicated that by appearing solo, Harry can reshape his public image. “For the time being, Harry can be seen like the charming guy he was always thought of, while Meghan is free to brand her forthcoming line of goods,” he commented.
Harry’s relationship with his father, King Charles III, continues to be strained, with minimal communication between them since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020. During the Clinton Global Initiative, a significant stop on his New York trip, he spoke about the impact of social media on children’s mental health. This discussion aligns with his ongoing advocacy for mental health, a key focus of his public life.
Meghan Markle’s absence during Harry’s trip has been noticeable. Some experts suggest that Harry may experience less pressure when not accompanied by her. Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, noted, “Meghan’s presence can sometimes heighten his anxiety associated with security. He’s absent from that feeling this trip.”
Meghan’s absence has fueled further conjecture about the couple’s relationship and their public strategy. A 2023 “Rolling Stone” article labeled both as in their “flop era,” with few notable achievements since their high-profile interviews and business ventures started. As Meghan remained in California, reportedly sick during Harry’s earlier commitment at the One805LIVE! concert hosted by Kevin Costner, royal commentators have been quick to evaluate whether their separate appearances indicate a professional or personal divide.
As Harry continues to navigate life outside the royal spotlight, opinions vary on whether separation will benefit the Sussexes in the long run. Eldridge believes this short-term strategy may be advantageous, stating it’s “productive for their public relations battles.” Yet, the impact on their partnership is uncertain. Conversely, Schofield has expressed skepticism about the future of their joint endeavors. “I am not going to applaud Prince Harry for successfully networking,” said Schofield, adding that her expectations are “higher than that.”
Schofield elaborated that Harry might find individual success, but their public relations challenges will persist. “If we continue to see Prince Harry work away from Meghan after the new year, I think it’s fair to debate what a professional divorce means for the couple personally,” she stated.
Harry’s difficult relationship with his family, particularly his father and brother, has been extensively documented in interviews, documentaries, and his memoir “Spare.” Since their exit from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have publicly expressed their issues with the British press, which they assert pushed them away from royal responsibilities. In “Spare,” Harry accused Queen Camilla of leaking private conversations to the press and alleged that his brother, Prince William, physically assaulted him during a dispute.
Against this tumultuous backdrop, Harry’s individual appearances have provided an opportunity to reconnect with his philanthropic origins. Hilary Fordwich, a British royals expert, observed that “Harry has stuck to what he is good at, being empathetic for a worthy cause, just like his mother was.” Fordwich also mentioned that by “refraining from criticizing his family” and avoiding negative narratives about his privileged life, Harry could reconnect with a wider audience.
The Sussexes’ tactic of operating separately has received mixed reactions, but Harry’s emphasis on mental health and charitable causes continues to be applauded. His appearance at the WellChild Awards in London on Sept. 30 was another solo effort, potentially reinforcing this new approach to public involvement. As experts continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sussexes’ public separation, the long-term outcomes of this strategy—whether it brings success or further division in their partnership—remain uncertain.
