Meghan Markle 'set for hiatus' after gruelling work behind the scenes

He said: “I think she is genuinely probably doing a lot of work in the background for this project with Netflix and this American Riviera Orchard.

“I think that's the thing that she's focusing on.

“She's probably had a few problems with the trademark or something, or with the name of the thing, and probably has to go through some legal battles.

“But I think that's going to be the next thing, and she probably wants a bit of a hiatus so that she can really launch that.”

Two months ago, Meghan suffered a blow in a bid to trademark her new lifestyle empire, after trying to claim ownership of the entire American Riviera.

In a setback, officials pointed out that the wording of her brand is a common nickname for Santa Barbara in California.

Further hitches included the fact that Meghan and her team filled in the official forms incorrectly, and failed to send enough money.

Meghan, who is mother to Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, last stepped out on October 5, as she attended the LA Children's Hospital Gala without Prince Harry.

Meghan wore a plunging red Carolina Herrera gown, which she had previously worn at a gala for veterans with Prince Harry in New York in 2021.

Prince Harry has also undertaken several solo ventures without Meghan, including to Africa and the UK in September and October.

LATEST ROYAL NEWS:

• Harry and Meghan suffer major snub by the Beckham's amid 'family feud'
• Andrew 'shoving two fingers up' at Charles and 'dishonouring' Royal Family
• Sarah Ferguson steps out in Australia as Beatrice and Eugenie spend time in Middle East

However, a Sussexes’ confidante insisted: “It is normal for couples to not do everything together.”

Dampier added: “In terms of their business and charitable activities, they do seem to be having their own policies at the moment and going in separate ways.

“But it's not a bad thing to have a quiet period from them, is it?

“Sometimes a bit of a rest is needed.”