Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, 40, took aim at persistent tabloid speculation about his marriage to Meghan Markle during a candid discussion at The New York Times’ 2024 DealBook Summit in New York City, on December 4.

Speaking with moderator Andrew Ross Sorkin, Prince Harry addressed the constant media scrutiny surrounding his relationship with his wife Meghan Markle, particularly when the couple attends separate events.

The Duke of Sussex, raised under the royal spotlight as the son of King Charles and the late Princess Diana, stressed that the focus on his life was certainly not beneficial.

“Apparently we’ve bought or moved houses 10, 12 times,” Harry said during the summit. “We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it’s just like, what?”

The Duke emphasized that the intense public interest in their relationship is “definitely not a good thing,” while expressing sympathy for online critics who repeatedly predict the couple’s downfall.

He said the attention and gossip can be overwhelming to follow, which is why he tries to ignore it. He pities the trolls, because they have expectations, only to face disappointment when it doesn’t materialize.

During the New York event, Harry appeared solo while Meghan attended a separate engagement in Beverly Hills, California. The Duke clarified that their separate schedules were not indicative of marital troubles.

The couple, who stepped down from senior royal responsibilities in 2020, have maintained their focus on philanthropic work through their Archewell Foundation while building a life in California with their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.

A source close to the couple noted that it’s perfectly normal for married partners to maintain independent schedules, particularly when raising young children. The source emphasized that separate appearances should not be interpreted as signs of relationship strain.

Harry acknowledged during the summit that his comments might be “spun or twisted” by media outlets, but maintained that his primary focus remains on being “the best father and the best husband” he can be.

The Sussexes have pursued separate professional paths since relocating to the United States, with Harry concentrating on charitable initiatives while Meghan explores entrepreneurial projects.