Prince Harry recently attended a series of public events without Meghan Markle by his side. These solo appearances have sparked curiosity about potential changes in his role and personal life. According to royal experts, there’s an unexpected reason behind the Duke of Sussex’s choice to fly solo.
Following a widely documented rift within the British royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the UK to build a new life in North America, making public appearances as a united front.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their visit to Nigeria on May 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
However, Prince Harry recently attended several high-profile events without his wife by his side. Royal experts have weighed in, offering surprising insights into why the Duke of Sussex opted to go alone for these recent events.
Meanwhile, social media users have also shared their views, with many suggesting that Prince Harry should continue making appearances without Meghan Markle more often.
Prince Harry at The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service on May 8, 2024, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Departure
In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made headlines with their announcement that they would step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family.
In a statement, Prince Harry and Markle expressed their desire to work towards financial independence while continuing to honor their commitment to Queen Elizabeth II.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a walkabout as they visited a new sculpture in Hamilton Square on January 14, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The couple explained that they planned to divide their time between the UK and North America, intending to provide their son, Archie, with an appreciation for his royal heritage and the space to lead a more private life.
However, the decision reportedly blindsided the royal family. Neither Queen Elizabeth II nor Prince William had been consulted before the public announcement, leaving Buckingham Palace “disappointed” and senior royals “hurt” by the couple’s abrupt exit.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at the Commonwealth Service on Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey on March 11, 2019, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The announcement came after months of intense media scrutiny, during which the Duke and Duchess had openly discussed their struggles with the pressure of the spotlight. Their decision to step back, posted on their Instagram page, signaled a dramatic shift in the royal dynamic.
After their departure, the tension within the royal family only escalated. Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” revealed the extent of the rift between him and his brother, Prince William.
The book detailed heated arguments, including a physical altercation, which reportedly left a lasting sore spot for Prince William and Princess Kate. While Prince Harry emphasized that his intent was never to harm his family, he made it clear that the deep-rooted pain between him and his brother had been festering for years.
Prince William and Prince Harry at the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial at The Cenotaph on November 10, 2019, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on their relationship, Prince Harry stated, “There has been a lot of pain between the two of us, especially the last six years. None of anything I’ve written, anything that I’ve included is ever intended to hurt my family.”
“But it does give a full picture of the situation as we were growing up, and also squashes this idea that somehow my wife was the one that destroyed the relationship between these two brothers,” the Duke continued.
Prince William and Prince Harry during the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
As the rift grew deeper, Prince Harry explained in his memoir that he and Markle left the UK for their “sanity and physical safety,” adding that he wasn’t sure at the time when they would return.
Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” | Source: Getty Images
According to reports, Markle has only returned to the UK once since their move to North America, for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022. She notably did not attend King Charles III’s coronation in 2023, further highlighting the strained relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
Princess Kate, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle photographed at Windsor Castle on September 10, 2022, in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images
The Reported Reasons Behind Prince Harry’s Solo Ventures
In early October 2024, Prince Harry visited Southern Africa to support Sentebale, the charity he co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. Both Princes were photographed together outdoors, smiling warmly against a scenic backdrop, highlighting their shared commitment to youth welfare.
Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and Prince Harry attend a welcome event at Sentebale’s Mamohato Children’s Centre in Maseru, Lesotho, on October 1, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry’s trip began on October 1 in Maseru, Lesotho, where he joined the 58-year-old Lesotho Prince at Sentebale’s Mamohato Children’s Centre. During the visit, they met with Let Youth Lead advocates from Botswana, a youth empowerment initiative supported by their charity.
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso arrive at Sentebale’s Mamohato Children’s Centre in Maseru, Lesotho, on October 1, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The occasion included key leaders from Sentebale, such as Carmel Gaillard, Acting Country Director, and Ntoli Moletsane, Country Director for Lesotho. Additionally, K.T. Montshiwa, Country Director for Botswana, attended, along with Dr. Sophie Chandauka, Chair of the charity group.
Along with meeting youth advocates, both Princes and the Sentebale officials joined in celebrating Basotho culture, making the whole visit meaningful.
Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Prince Harry, Carmel Gaillard, Moraoetsi Rakuone, Ntoli Moletsane, Matseliso Mosoeu, K.T. Montshiwa, and Dr. Sophie Chandauka, MBE, at Sentebale’s Mamohato Children’s Centre on October 1, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
After he visited Lesotho, Prince Harry traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he attended a Sentebale reception and panel discussion at The Saxon Hotel on October 3, supported by Baker McKenzie.
Prince Harry arrives at The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, on October 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As soon as he arrived at the venue, he greeted guests and shook hands with them. The convention brought together innovative funders and leaders from global corporations and local businesses, to discuss sustainable development and opportunities for the region’s youth.
Other important topics in the convention also included addressing economic barriers and bridging the digital divide.
Prince Harry attends a Sentebale reception and panel discussion at The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, on October 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Notable figures from business and technology attended the convention and were pictured alongside Prince Harry, including Alix Lebec, Founder and CEO of LEBEC, an innovative finance and philanthropy firm, and Stacey Boyd, Founder and CEO of luxury retailer Olivela.
Additionally, Hector Mujica, Head of Economic Opportunity at Google, and Sentebale Chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka were also among the guests.
Alix Lebec, Stacey Boyd, Hector Mujica, Prince Harry, and Dr. Sophie Chandauka at The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, on October 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry attended several other events prior to his trip to Southern Africa. In late September 2024, he attended a charity benefit in California hosted by actor Kevin Costner without Meghan by his side. The Duke also attended a dinner organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), where he met with various dignitaries, including Queen Mathilde of Belgium.
Prince Harry during the One805 Live Fall Concert benefiting First Responders on September 20, 2024, in Carpinteria, California | Source: Getty Images
His next stop was New York, where Prince Harry appeared to have supported causes close to his heart, such as African Parks, The HALO Trust, and The Diana Award.
Prince Harry with First Responders during the One805 Live Fall Concert benefiting First Responders on September 20, 2024, in Carpinteria, California | Source: Getty Images
Over the weekend, he flew to London to honor his long-standing commitment to WellChild by attending their annual awards ceremony — once again, without his American wife.
Sally Jackson (left), GSK, and Sally Beck with the Duke of Sussex, Patron of WellChild, at the Royal Lancaster in London, on September 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
According to royal experts, as Prince Harry navigated life away from the royal family, his solo adventures reportedly demonstrated a desire to carve out his own identity and purpose.
Royal experts noted that as he reached his 40th birthday, Prince Harry appeared determined to “assert himself” independently, without the shadow of his royal past or the constant presence of his wife.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their tour of Colombia on August 18, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Biographer Phil Dampier, author of “Royally Suited: Harry and Meghan In Their Own Words,” suggested that Prince Harry was struggling to find meaning in his life after stepping back from royal responsibilities.
The Duke of Sussex at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit on September 23, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
“Harry sometimes feels like a spare part, and he often looks unhappy when he’s out with Markle at events in California. I think he has reached a point where he wants more for himself. He’s turned 40 and must be asking himself what the future holds,” Dampier explained.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle photographed during their Colombia tour on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Dampier and other experts suggested that Prince Harry’s solo trips represent an attempt to forge a new path, independent of his past as a senior royal and his marriage.
Prince Harry, Patron of WellChild, at the Royal Lancaster in London, on September 30, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In addition to his public engagements, Prince Harry reportedly reconnected with old friends ahead of his visit to the UK and a lads-only weekend getaway for his 40th birthday. “I’m sure he’s lacking some mates he can go out with for a beer and truly relax,” Dampier said.
The Duke of Sussex at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit on September 23, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images
“The more he does things on his own and carves out some new projects, the more likely it is he can heal himself and eventually some of the divisions with his family, but it’s going to be a long road,” the royal expert continued.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams noted that while Prince Harry has been involved in causes such as the Invictus Games, WellChild, and Sentebale, these were initiatives he had taken on before his marriage to the “Suits” actress.
Monique Wilkinson, Business Development Manager at Baker McKenzie and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend a Sentebale reception and panel discussion at The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, on October 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Now, his solo appearances in New York and London seemed like an effort to raise his personal profile and explore new roles. Royal expert Tom Bower remarked that these repeated solo events showed a significant shift in Prince Harry’s lifestyle and strategy.
As Prince Harry continued to attend public events alone, rumors swirled about his future intentions. Some speculated that he might be considering spending more time in the UK or even taking on royal duties again.
Prince Harry accepting the Pat Tillman Award during the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
However, Fitzwilliams confirmed, “These are undoubtedly exaggerated, but they highlight his increasingly awkward situation. He has a deep rift with his family. His New York appearances may give him a brief boost.”
Host Jimmy Fallon and Prince Harry walk-through “Tonightmares” on September 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The news of Prince Harry’s solo trips quickly ignited discourse among social media users, many of whom debated the state of his relationship with Meghan Markle.
The Duke of Sussex greets a performing artist during his visit to Colombia on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“The first real sign that his marriage is coming apart as she would never have missed the opportunity to party with Costner, etc. She would have crawled there, but used it as a power battle and lost,” one person wrote. Another person commented in part, “And now, the end is near and Harry faces the final divorce.”
Prince Harry during his visit to Colombia on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Another person typed, “He does alright when he’s by himself. He certainly looks much happier. There’s really no reason for Meghan to tag along to every event. They should keep their projects separate in the future.”
A fourth social media user chimed in, “I think it’s best Harry does these events by himself. He appears to be much happier and relaxed when Meghan is not there, and people genuinely seem happy to see the old Harry.”
From Southern Africa to the U.S. and the U.K., Prince Harry’s recent solo appearances have sparked widespread discussion, with royal experts shedding light on his possible reasons for stepping out alone.
As speculation about his future continues to grow, public opinion seems divided, though many agree that his independent ventures could signal a new chapter in his life.
