Two isn’t always better than one.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle haven’t made a joint appearance in more than a month, sparking speculation that their marriage may be in trouble.
But a PR expert says their separate public outings don’t have anything to do with their personal life.
Instead, Ed Coram James believes it’s all about business and re-branding.
“Since their marriage, Harry and Meghan have had a distinct brand,” James told GB News. “That brand is based on a duo. Call it ‘Harry and Meghan’, call it ‘the Sussexes’, call it whatever you like. The fact is that for years they have become synonymous with one another.”
Recently, James claims the couple’s joint image has become “toxic” and says Harry and Meghan’s recent solo outings are a deliberate attempt to rebrand themselves as individual entities who are more marketable.
Prince Harry speaks on impact of social media on mental health of children during Clinton Global Initiative day 2 at Hilton Hotel.
Lev Radin/Pacific Press/Shutterstock
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, during a solo appearance at the 2024 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala earlier this month. Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
Kelly McKee Zajfen and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex at the event earlier this month. Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
“Since the famous Oprah interview, in which they took a simmering disagreement between themselves and the rest of the Royal Family and essentially declared all-out-war, that brand has been steadily becoming more toxic and thus commercially untenable to the point where not that many major brands are going to be rushing to write them a large cheque based on their brand value,” he explained.
“When combined, the Sussexes brand is, from a PR perspective, toxic. But, when separate, they have a genuine chance of creating an entirely separate brand, with completely different labels.”
The savvy business move, however, has led to some speculation about the state of the Prince and “Suits” alum’s marriage.
Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex visits Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on October 02, 2024 in Santa Barbara, California. The Archewell Foundation via Getty Images
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (L) arrives at a visit to Matlameng â Ha Mahlehle in the Leribe region with Sentebale to meet with the community and see the climate resilience project in action on October 2, 2024 in Leribe, Lesotho. Getty Images for Sentebale
An insider told GB News that the Sussexes are stronger than ever and that Markle finds these rumors draining.
“She has really felt the strain in recent weeks, and with all the speculation surrounding her and Harry and their marriage,” the source said.
“They haven’t done themselves any favors by doing so many separate events but this is what they have decided to do as it works best for them at the moment as a couple and they both feel they can shine at events that are close to their hearts.”
Board Chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and a guest attend a Sentebale reception and panel discussion at The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. Getty Images for Sentebale
Prince Harry And Meghan, Duchess Of Sussex, Visit Historic San Basilio De Palenque In Colombia. GTres / SplashNews.com
Meanwhile, the report comes on the heels of a royal expert sharing that Markle has her personal memoir “in her back pocket” should she need it later “for revenge.”
Earlier this year, the Duchess of Sussex was said to have been planning to expand on the mental health struggles she faced during her time in the palace in a tell-all book.
While there’s been no official word from her camp, royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that the actress could use the project to her advantage in the future.
“It’s more than two years since she gave that interview, and she has steered clear of controversy about the royal family since,” Bond told OK!
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan of Sussex explore San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia, delving into the rich history and cultural significance of the first free African town in the Americas. GTres / SplashNews.com
“Obviously, the journal she mentioned will remain a potential weapon in her back pocket if she ever feels the need to seek some sort of revenge.”