Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s once tightly-knit business partnership appears to be evolving, with reports indicating that the couple is moving toward separate ventures. This shift in their approach comes just a few years after their highly publicized exit from the Royal Family and subsequent relocation to California, where they hoped to establish themselves as a powerhouse couple similar to George and Amal Clooney.
Upon moving to the United States, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex founded Archewell, a mix of for-profit and non-profit ventures. They also secured multi-million-dollar deals with both Netflix and Spotify. However, recent reports suggest that their joint efforts may no longer be the focal point of their careers. According to a source in California, “Meghan has decided that their interests are best served by pursuing separate careers. They will still carry out charitable engagements together and embark on foreign visits, but their work projects will be separate.”
For Meghan, this separation is reportedly defined by her growing focus on the entertainment industry. She has filmed a cooking and lifestyle show for Netflix and previously hosted a Spotify podcast called “Archetypes,” although Spotify has since ended its deal with the couple. Meghan’s move into solo projects has sparked speculation that she sees herself as the more prominent figure in the entertainment world, a sentiment shared by a source close to the couple.
On the other hand, Prince Harry appears to be focusing on his interests, particularly those related to his philanthropic work and personal projects. His recent solo trip to New York City on September 22, 2024, to promote causes like The HALO Trust and Sentebale highlighted his commitments.
Daily Mail Editor Richard Eden says that their A-list power couple dream is “in ruins,” pointing out that Meghan has not been by Harry’s side for recent public appearances. Royal author and broadcaster Victoria Murphy supports this view, suggesting that while Meghan appears eager to advance her business projects, Harry seems to be reflecting nostalgically on his royal past.
Despite their ventures, Harry and Meghan’s charitable efforts remain a point of overlap. The couple is expected to continue their joint philanthropic endeavors, though these collaborations may become less frequent. Harry is said to be concentrating on repairing his strained relationships with his family back in the United Kingdom. His memoir, Spare, released earlier this year, sparked further controversy and deepened the rift between Harry and the Royal Family. Nevertheless, Harry’s work, particularly in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana, has remained a significant aspect of his public persona.
The couple’s decision to separate their business interests raises questions about the future of Archewell, the organization that was initially meant to serve as the foundation for their joint endeavors. Archewell has been a focal point of their efforts in both charitable and media production activities. Still, its future direction remains unclear as Meghan and Harry take on more independent roles.
While some observers believe this shift reflects growing tensions between the couple, others see it as a strategic move that allows each to explore their passions fully. Meghan’s foray into the entertainment world aligns with her previous experience as an actress. At the same time, Harry’s commitment to charitable work and memoir writing taps into his long-standing desire to carve out his legacy apart from the monarchy.
