Prince Harry has publicly addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his marriage to Meghan Markle, putting an end to the persistent divorce rumors.
For several months, speculation about tension between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has been widespread. Reports suggesting a growing distance between the couple have been amplified due to their frequent separate public appearances and independent professional ventures. Rumors escalated further as both continued pursuing individual projects, leading to sensationalized headlines hinting at marital troubles and even secret divorce proceedings.
The Duke of Sussex recently confronted these rumors while attending the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit, finally offering his own perspective on the matter.
The rumors gained traction earlier this year when Prince Harry began making solo appearances for engagements around the world. His travels to New York, London, and Southern Africa drew attention, especially as Meghan was noticeably absent from several significant public events. This divergence in public engagements led to increasing speculation that the couple was experiencing relationship strain and choosing to live more independently. Phrases like “separate lives” and “professional separation” became common in tabloid headlines, further intensifying the narrative of a growing rift.
Fuel was added to the fire when Meghan signed with the Hollywood talent agency WME in 2023, signaling a professional shift towards individual branding. Many viewed this career decision as her attempt to establish a separate identity apart from her joint work with Harry, reinforcing rumors of a widening gap in their marriage.
Their public image took another hit when their multi-million-dollar Spotify deal came to a sudden end in June 2023. This high-profile setback led to increased scrutiny and speculation about the couple’s professional and personal stability. However, the whispers of discord briefly subsided when Harry and Meghan appeared together at the Invictus Games in September 2023. Their affectionate interactions, including shared laughter, dancing, and public displays of affection, reassured fans and provided a rare glimpse of unity, albeit temporarily.
Yet, the rumors resurfaced in late 2024 when the couple once again pursued separate engagements. Meghan attended a prestigious awards ceremony in California, while Harry participated in the DealBook Summit in New York, reigniting speculation of a deeper divide. Media outlets were quick to highlight their absence from each other’s public appearances as further evidence of a strained relationship.
The controversy escalated when a German documentary, Harry: The Lost Prince, criticized the couple’s high-profile humanitarian visits, highlighting the contrast between their charitable work and Meghan’s luxury designer wardrobe. Critics questioned the authenticity of their public image, with accusations that their message of compassion conflicted with their extravagant lifestyle, as reported by The Mirror.
During his interview at the summit, journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin directly addressed the swirling rumors, questioning why the couple was not making joint appearances if everything was harmonious between them.
Prince Harry responded with a mix of humor and sincerity. Smiling, he quipped, “Because you invited me,” eliciting laughter from the audience before tackling the topic head-on. The Duke dismissed the speculative headlines with sarcasm, noting the sheer frequency of the rumors. “Apparently, we’ve moved houses 10 or 12 times and divorced about as many times too. So, really, what’s going on? It’s hard to keep up with it all,” he joked, emphasizing the absurdity of the sensationalized stories.
However, he also used the moment to shed light on a more serious issue—the dangers of misinformation and media distortion. Reflecting on his own experiences, he revealed how the constant media scrutiny has followed him since childhood. “I’ve lived through this for so long, seeing stories about myself that have no basis in reality. It makes you question not only the accuracy but the impact such narratives have over time.”
Harry also expressed surprising empathy for those fueling the rumors, particularly internet trolls. “The people I feel most sorry for are the trolls,” he said. “Their hopes are built up so high with these fabricated stories, only for nothing to come of it. I genuinely feel bad for them.”
While Harry’s candid remarks effectively dismissed the divorce rumors, they also offered insight into the emotional toll such speculation takes. Living under constant public scrutiny, he and Meghan continue to face exaggerated stories and invasive speculation about their relationship.
Despite their individual projects, Harry’s statements made it clear that their marriage remains intact and that both remain committed to their shared values, family life, and humanitarian causes. His remarks serve as a reminder of the relentless media attention they face and their continued efforts to rise above the noise, staying united in their purpose and love for each other.