During a candid talk at The New York Times’ 2024 DealBook Summit in New York City, New York, on December 4, Prince Harry, the 40-year-old Duke of Sussex, addressed the ongoing media conjecture about his marriage to Meghan Markle.
In a discussion moderated by Andrew Ross Sorkin, Prince Harry openly discussed the relentless media attention he and his wife, Meghan Markle, receive, especially when seen at separate events.
Prince Harry, who grew up in the public eye as the son of King Charles and the late Princess Diana, pointed out that this level of scrutiny was not favorable.
“Apparently we’ve bought or moved houses 10, 12 times,” Prince Harry remarked at the summit. “We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it’s just like, what?”
The Duke noted that the extreme public focus on their relationship is “definitely not a good thing” and he expressed empathy for online critics who frequently forecast their relationship’s end.
Prince Harry admitted that the relentless gossip can become overwhelming, which is why he typically avoids it. He expressed regret for the trolls who build up expectations, only to be let down when their predictions don’t come to fruition.
At the New York event, Meghan was fulfilling a separate commitment in Beverly Hills, California. Prince Harry clarified that their independent schedules did not point to marital issues.
Since stepping back from their senior royal duties in 2020, the couple has been dedicated to their philanthropy through the Archewell Foundation and raising their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, in California.
An individual close to the couple indicated that it’s quite normal for married couples to have separate schedules, especially when they are raising young children. They stressed that separate public appearances do not necessarily indicate relationship stress.
While at the summit, Prince Harry acknowledged that his remarks could be “spun or twisted” by the media. However, he made it clear that his primary focus is on being the best father and husband.
Prince Harry has also shed light on his strained relationship with his brother, Prince William, and the tensions that arose after his marriage to Meghan Markle. In the docuseries “Meghan & Harry: The Rise & Fall,” a segment shared on Channel 10’s TikTok account in Australia, Harry opened up about the challenges within the royal family.
The Duke of Sussex revealed he once believed his marriage to Meghan would strengthen his bond with William and his sister-in-law, Catherine, the Princess of Wales. “I thought the four of us would bring me and William closer together,” Harry said. “We could go out and do work together. I always hoped that the four of us would get on, but it quickly became Meghan versus Kate.”
When asked if William had attempted to dissuade him from marrying Meghan, Harry nodded in response, confirming long-standing speculation. The gesture reignited rumors of a deeper rift within the royal family.
Since moving to the United States, the Sussexes have pursued different professional paths. Harry is focusing on charitable work, and Meghan is exploring entrepreneurial projects.