Speculation has ranged from allegations of a secret divorce to assertions that their relationship is under strain due to diverging priorities.
The Duke of Sussex has now finally addressed the gossip during an appearance at the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit.
The whispers of trouble began to escalate earlier this year, following Harry’s solo round-the-world engagements and Meghan’s notable absence from certain high-profile events.
Reports suggested that Harry’s travels to New York, London, and Southern Africa were part of a personal and professional shift, with some speculating he needed ‘space.’
Headlines even suggested the pair were living ‘separate lives,’ with phrases like ‘professional separation’ stoking the fire.
Meghan’s decision to hire the Hollywood talent agency WME in 2023 added fuel to the rumors.
The move was seen as a step toward asserting her individuality and building her personal brand, separate from the couple’s joint ventures.
Meanwhile, their Spotify deal collapsed in June 2023, adding another layer of scrutiny to their public image.
The speculation briefly waned when the couple appeared together at the Invictus Games in September 2023.
Their chemistry and shared joy during the event, which included moments of dancing and public displays of affection, reassured some fans.
However, as they embarked on separate ventures again in late 2024, the rumors resurfaced.
Meghan’s attendance at an awards ceremony in California this week, while Harry spoke at the DealBook Summit in New York, further fueled the narrative of a growing divide.
Adding to the media frenzy was a German documentary, Harry: The Lost Prince, which criticized the couple’s high-profile visits to impoverished regions juxtaposed with Meghan’s designer wardrobe.
Critics argued that the image clashed with the humanitarian values they promote, drawing fresh attention to their public appearances, the Mirror reports.
During his summit appearance, Prince Harry was directly confronted about the speculation surrounding his marriage.
Newsweek reports that journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin noted the media’s fascination with their separate engagements, asking why they weren’t appearing together.
Harry’s response was both witty and revealing.
“Because you invited me,” he joked, to laughter from the audience, before addressing the rumors head-on.
The Duke dismissed the persistent claims of divorce with humor.
“Apparently, we’ve bought or moved house maybe 10 or 12 times, and we’ve apparently divorced maybe 10 or 12 times as well. So, it’s just like, ‘what?’ It’s hard to keep up,” he quipped, drawing attention to the absurdity of the rumors.
However, Harry also reflected on the more serious implications of such speculation.
“I’ve had a lived experience since I was a kid. I’ve seen stories written about myself that aren’t exactly based on reality,” he said.
“When you grow up within that environment, you find yourself questioning the validity of the information but also how dangerous it can be over time.”
He expressed empathy for the trolls perpetuating these narratives.
“The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls. Their hopes are just built and built, and then it doesn’t happen. So, I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do,” Harry remarked.
While his comments offered a clear rebuttal to the divorce rumors, they also highlighted the challenges of navigating a life under constant public scrutiny.
Despite their separate projects, Harry’s words suggest that he and Meghan remain united in their shared commitment to their family and causes, standing resilient against the relentless rumor mill.
