Reports suggest that the business partnership of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once closely intertwined, is evolving, with the couple shifting towards individual ventures. This change in strategy occurs a few years after their much-publicized departure from the Royal Family and subsequent move to California, intending to carve out a power couple persona similar to that of George and Amal Clooney.
Upon their relocation to the U.S., the Duke and Duchess of Sussex began Archewell, a blend of for-profit and non-profit initiatives. They also entered multi-million-dollar contracts with both Netflix and Spotify. Nevertheless, recent claims indicate their joint efforts may no longer be their career’s primary focus. A California source stated, “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.”
Meghan’s separation is reportedly characterized by her increasing concentration on the entertainment industry. She has produced a cooking and lifestyle series for Netflix and previously hosted a Spotify podcast named “Archetypes,” which Spotify has since discontinued. Meghan’s transition into individual projects has ignited conversations that she views herself as a more dominant figure in the entertainment industry, a sentiment echoed by a source close to the couple.
Conversely, Prince Harry seems to be centering on his interests, notably those tied to his philanthropic endeavors and personal projects. His solo trip to New York City on September 22, 2024, to advocate for organizations like The HALO Trust and Sentebale, underscored his commitments.
According to Daily Mail Editor Richard Eden, their dream of being an A-list power couple is “in ruins,” as Meghan has been noticeably absent from Harry’s recent public appearances. Victoria Murphy, a royal author and broadcaster concurs, suggesting that while Meghan is keen to progress her business endeavors, Harry appears to be looking back wistfully at his royal past.
Despite their respective ventures, the couple’s philanthropic efforts continue to intersect. Harry and Meghan are anticipated to persist in their shared charitable endeavors, although these collaborations may become less common. Harry is reportedly focusing on mending his strained relationships with his family in the U.K. His earlier released memoir, “Spare,” caused more controversy and deepened the gap between him and the Royal Family. Nonetheless, Harry’s work, especially in tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, continues to be a crucial part of his public image.
The decision to separate their business interests casts doubt on the future of Archewell, the entity initially meant to anchor their collective efforts. Archewell has been the centerpiece of their efforts in both charity and media production activities. However, its future course remains uncertain as Meghan and Harry adopt more independent roles.
While some observers perceive this shift as a sign of increasing strain within the couple, others view it as a calculated move that enables each of them to fully delve into their passions. Meghan’s venture into entertainment aligns with her past as an actress, while Harry’s devotion to charity work and memoir writing resonates with his longstanding ambition to establish his legacy separate from the monarchy.