The duchess did not accompany Prince Harry last month when he set off on a solo tour just days after his big 40th birthday.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been dominating headlines over the last few weeks as the couple have stepped out on various engagements alone.
With Prince Harry jetting off for a solo tour days after his 40th birthday last month, leaving Meghan at home in Montecito without him, rumours have been rife about the couple’s future.
This was further heightened when Meghan began stepping out for solo engagements alone too, leaving many questioning where the pair stand with each other on a professional and personal level.
While the prince spoke about the duchess and his children fondly during various engagements in New York, the UK and Africa, this did not quell the rumours that something was amiss with the pair, who relocated to California in 2020 after quitting life as senior royals.
However, a friend of the couple has now explained exactly why Meghan did not accompany Harry on any of his solo engagements and instead stayed at their mansion with their two children Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.
The friend told People magazine: “[It’s] as much a reflection on parenting priorities, in that one of them stays behind with the children.”
This comes after a royal expert also said that the couple’s decision to not attend the events together was most likely a result of the children, which could also explain why Harry hadn’t returned home to Meghan for weeks and instead went from engagement to engagement.
The Mirror reported that royal commentator Jennie Bond said: “Married couples don’t have to do everything together.
“The children are young and it’s much better for them to have one parent at home, so it all makes perfect sense. It’s just Harry doing what Harry does best.”
Prince Harry visited three countries on his solo royal tour.
It is believed that the duke is now back at home with Meghan and his children after almost three weeks away.
Meghan was last seen at a red carpet event for a children’s hospital gala on October 5, with the duke nowhere to be seen.
At the time, it was said that he had extended his stay in Africa before jetting back to the States.
Meghan Markle’s absence during Prince Harry’s solo engagements last month, just days after his 40th birthday, has sparked curiosity and rumors about the couple’s relationship. With both stepping out individually for various engagements, many have speculated about the status of their partnership, both professionally and personally.
Prince Harry embarked on a solo tour to New York, the UK, and Africa, leaving Meghan at home in Montecito with their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. Despite Harry’s public mentions of his family during these appearances, the gossip mill continued to churn, questioning why the Duchess of Sussex didn’t accompany him. However, a close friend of the couple clarified the situation, explaining to People magazine that their separate appearances reflect their “parenting priorities.” The source stated, “[It’s] as much a reflection on parenting priorities, in that one of them stays behind with the children.”
Royal commentator Jennie Bond echoed this sentiment, saying that the couple’s decision to divide responsibilities is perfectly normal. “Married couples don’t have to do everything together. The children are young, and it’s much better for them to have one parent at home, so it all makes perfect sense. It’s just Harry doing what Harry does best,” Bond explained to The Mirror.
During his solo tour, Prince Harry visited three countries and undertook several engagements. He also spoke fondly of Meghan and their children at these events, reassuring some that there is no trouble brewing between the couple. After nearly three weeks away, it’s believed that Harry has now returned home to California to be with his family.
Meanwhile, Meghan was last seen attending a red-carpet event for a children’s hospital gala on October 5 without Prince Harry by her side, fueling more speculation. At the time, reports indicated that Harry had extended his stay in Africa before returning to the U.S. The couple’s choice to alternate between attending events and spending time with their children seems to reflect a balanced approach to parenting and work, rather than any deeper issues.