Recent reports suggest a shift in the business partnership between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as they are seemingly moving towards independent ventures. This development follows their notable departure from the Royal Family and subsequent move to California, where they intended to build a formidable presence akin to George and Amal Clooney’s.
Upon their arrival in the United States, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex established Archewell, a blend of profit-making and non-profit initiatives. They also clinched multi-million-dollar contracts with both Netflix and Spotify. However, recent reports hint that their collective pursuits may no longer be the focal point of their careers. A source from California reported, “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.”
Markle’s shift reportedly revolves around her increasing concentration on the entertainment industry. She has produced a cooking and lifestyle show for Netflix and previously hosted a Spotify podcast named “Archetypes,” which Spotify has since discontinued. Markle’s immersion into solo projects has led to conjecture that she perceives herself as a more influential figure in the entertainment domain, a view echoed by a source close to the couple.
Conversely, Prince Harry seems to be concentrating on his interests, primarily those linked to his philanthropic endeavors and personal projects. His recent solo trip to New York City on September 22, 2024, to advocate for causes such as The HALO Trust and Sentebale, underscored his commitments.
Daily Mail Editor Richard Eden notes that the couple’s dream of becoming an A-list power couple is “in ruins,” as Meghan has not accompanied Harry during recent public appearances. Royal author and broadcaster Victoria Murphy concurs, suggesting that while Meghan seems keen to progress her business projects, Harry appears to be looking back nostalgically at his royal past.
Despite diverging paths, the couple’s philanthropic initiatives continue to be a common ground. While they are expected to persist in their joint charitable undertakings, these collaborations may become less frequent. Harry is reportedly focusing on mending his strained relationships with his family in the United Kingdom. His memoir, “Spare,” stirred more controversy and widened the gap between Harry and the Royal Family. However, Harry’s work, especially in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana, continues to be a significant part of his public image.
The decision of the couple to segregate their business interests raises queries about the future of Archewell, the entity that was initially intended to serve as the bedrock for their joint endeavors. Archewell has been central to their efforts in both charitable activities and media production. However, its future trajectory remains uncertain as Meghan and Harry adopt more autonomous roles.
While some observers interpret this shift as indicative of growing discord between the couple, others view it as a strategic move that enables each to fully pursue their passions. Meghan’s venture into the entertainment industry aligns with her past experience as an actress. Concurrently, Harry’s dedication to philanthropic work and memoir writing aligns with his long-standing aspiration to establish his legacy separate from the monarchy.