Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘successful’ in professional separation endeavour as Sussexes ‘try something new’

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been seen together publicly just twice in the past four months, marking a significant change in their professional approach.

This new direction sees Meghan focusing on business ventures, including her upcoming American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand, whilst Harry dedicates his efforts to charitable causes.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has backed the Sussexes' new approach, telling GB News: "I think that they realised they had done a lot of events solo, they knew there'd be speculation about a separation.

"I don't see that as the rationale for it. I think they're trying something new. I think it's been quite successful.

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"However, I do think that they're very nervous about the Netflix contract ending next year, because that links them to the $100million that were reportedly paid for it.

"So very clearly, it's a period for them where Meghan has got to launch her American Riviera Orchard, which isn't proving easy. She's got her cooking programme for Netflix.

"We'll have to see what that's like, he's got his polo series in fact, credited to them both for Netflix. I can't see that having wide appeal, whether or not it's good."

This week sees the couple continuing their separate paths with distinct engagements across the United States.

Prince attended the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City last night, celebrating a new exhibition titled "Friend" which will benefit his charity Sentebale.

The Duke also participated in The New York Times DealBook Conference, where he delivered a heartfelt speech about his mother Dianan.

Meanwhile, Meghan at the Los Angeles at the 2024 Paley Honors Fall Gala, where she helped present the Paley Honors Award to her close friend Tyler Perry.

PR expert Norah Lawlor warns this separation of duties risks pulling them "further apart not just in terms of scheduling, but also in terms of mindset and goals."

Their Netflix ventures reflect their diverging professional paths, with Harry's recent "Heart of Invictus" seeing limited success without Meghan's involvement.

Fitzwilliams also noted their foundation's most significant donation went to a wellness centre established by President Biden's daughter.

Despite their careful approach to political neutrality, only urging Americans to vote, Fitzwilliams suggested this donation "will be seen, or some will see this as a political act."

The couple appears to be maintaining a delicate balance between their charitable work and political positioning, even as they pursue separate professional paths.

Their foundation's activities demonstrate continued joint efforts, despite their individual career trajectories.