Prince Harry’s recent visit to New York City is seen by experts as a calculated step to distance himself from the ongoing controversies involving him and his wife, Meghan Markle.
The 40-year-old Prince attended several charity events in New York City alone, signaling a new phase in his public presence. Analysts suggest this individual approach could contribute to restoring his image, which has been tarnished due to continuous media attention following the couple’s withdrawal from royal duties and the subsequent public scrutiny.
Doug Eldridge, a branding specialist, compared Harry’s solo public activities to “splitting aces at the poker table,” explaining that “right now, when you see Harry and Meghan together,” they are often linked with royal issues and negative media attention. Eldridge noted that by appearing separately, Harry has an opportunity to redefine how the public perceives him. “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 added.
Harry’s strained relationship with his father, King Charles III, continues, with minimal contact between them since Harry and Meghan moved back from royal life in 2020. During the Clinton Global Initiative, a notable stop during his New York visit, he discussed the influence of social media on children’s mental health. This initiative is part of his ongoing advocacy for mental health, a key focus in his public life.
Meghan Markle’s absence from Harry’s trip has been observed. Some experts propose that Harry may experience less tension when appearing alone. Kinsey Schofield, host of the “To Di For Daily” podcast, commented, “Meghan’s presence can sometimes heighten his anxiety associated with security. He’s absent from that feeling this trip.”
Meghan’s absence led to additional conjecture about the couple’s relationship and their public strategy. In a 2023 “Rolling Stone” piece, both were labeled as being in their “flop era,” with few noteworthy achievements since their high-profile interviews and business ventures started. While Meghan was in California, reportedly sick during Harry’s previous engagement at the One805LIVE! concert hosted by Kevin Costner, royal commentators are analyzing whether their separate appearances indicate a professional or personal division.
As Harry navigates life outside the royal glare, opinions vary about whether working independently will benefit the Sussexes in the long run. Eldridge thinks the temporary strategy may work to their advantage, stating it’s “productive for their public relations battles.” However, the effect on their partnership is uncertain. In contrast, Schofield has voiced reservations about the prospects of their joint initiatives. “I am not going to applaud Prince Harry for successfully networking,” Schofield said, noting she has “higher expectations than that.”
Schofield further clarified that while Harry might achieve individual success, their public relations struggles 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 added.
Harry’s tense relationship with his family, particularly his father, and brother, has been extensively documented in his interviews, documentaries, and his memoir “Spare.” Since leaving royal life, Harry and Meghan have publicly expressed their discontent with the British press, which they claimed pushed them away from royal duties. In “Spare,” Harry accused Queen Camilla of leaking private discussions to the media and alleged that his brother, Prince William, physically assaulted him during a disagreement.
Against this stormy backdrop, Harry’s solo engagements have allowed him to return to his philanthropic endeavors. Hilary Fordwich, a British royals expert, mentioned that “Harry has stuck to what he is good at, being empathetic for a worthy cause, just like his mother was.” Fordwich also observed that by “refraining from criticizing his family” and steering clear of negative narratives about his privileged life, Harry has a chance to reconnect with a wider audience.
The Sussexes’ strategy of working separately has received mixed responses, but Harry’s emphasis on mental health and charitable causes continues to be appreciated. His participation in the WellChild Awards in London on Sept. 30 will be another independent endeavor, possibly reinforcing this new method of public engagement. As experts continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sussexes’ separation in the public realm, it remains unclear whether this strategy will lead to long-term success or further division in their partnership.
