Solo Ventures Raise Questions About Strategic Shift to Rebrand the Sussex Image
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear to be taking increasingly separate paths in their public lives, sparking speculation about a potential shift in their approach to the spotlight. The couple has recently been seen attending various events independently, leading fans and media to wonder if their careers are diverging.
Harry has been busy with solo engagements across New York, London, and Southern Africa, spending over two weeks away from Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. During his travels, Meghan made a solo appearance at a high-profile gala for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, wearing a striking red gown, and marked International Day of the Girl with a visit to a girls' leadership organization—noticeably without her engagement ring.
The local Montecito Journal and other outlets have picked up on the buzz surrounding their increasingly distinct activities. PR expert Ed Coram James suggests this separation may be a calculated move to rejuvenate their joint brand. "Since their marriage, Harry and Meghan have been synonymous with each other," James told The Mirror, noting that their public image has faced challenges since the infamous Oprah interview.
Ongoing tensions with both the Royal Family and Meghan’s family, along with a series of lacklustre commercial projects, have contributed to perceptions of the couple as confrontational and out of touch. James believes that pursuing separate projects could help shift these negative associations and give their public image a much-needed reset.
“To overcome the perception of being spoiled or attention-seeking is difficult but achievable,” he said, adding that the first step is distancing themselves from the toxic aspects of their joint brand.
By cultivating distinct personal brands, Harry and Meghan may have a better chance of re-establishing themselves more positively. If successful, they could potentially reunite to form a stronger, refreshed joint brand in the future.
As Harry and Meghan continue to embark on individual ventures, all eyes will be on whether this new approach is a temporary strategy or a lasting evolution in their public roles.
