When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from their roles as senior members of the British royal family in 2020, the public was floored. Most folks, however, could respect Harry's desire to protect his family from the relentless tabloid paparazzi (and to avoid history repeating itself with Princess Diana's tragic death). To choose his wife's safety and well-being over the royal life, some might argue, was an incredible act of love — which is why reports of Harry and Meghan "taking time apart" in 2023 are so shocking.
More from MamásLatinas: Prince Harry & Meghan Markle: A timeline of their relationship
These days, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex live in California with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, after having been cut off financially by the royal family. In March 2021, the couple sat down for a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, during which they shared bombshell revelations about "The Firm" (the British royal family). They've also signed a multi-year deal with Netflix, and their latest project, a six-part docuseries titled Harry & Meghan, dropped in December 2022. On top of that, Prince Harry's memoir, Spare, was released in January 2023.
But is there now trouble in paradise for Meghan and Harry?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are 'spending time apart,' a source claims.
On July 18, Radar Online reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are "taking time apart" to hopefully strengthen their relationship following public scrutiny fueled by a series of bad PR moves.
"They're trying to figure out what hit them," a palace "insider" told the publication. "Harry doesn't fit in Meghan's tacky Tinseltown world," the source continued, explaining that he needs to "find himself."
Harry and Meghan have faced financial pressures.
The anonymous source told Radar Online the couple has been “under tremendous financial pressure to fund their lavish California lifestyle, including their $14 million mansion and huge security costs.”
Additionally, Spotify axed Meghan's Archetypes podcast in June 2023 after just one season.
“That stress, coupled with their emotional issues, has likely made life a living hell," the source said. "Taking time apart on different continents will hopefully help them find whatever they need to move on.”
Soon, Harry will be traveling to Africa solo for a Netflix documentary.
Prince Harry will soon travel to Africa without his wife in order to film a Netflix documentary, the Daily Mail reported.
It's there where the royal feels “most like himself," Radar Online's source said. They also noted the continent is like a “second home" to Harry.
Meghan, meanwhile, hopes to stay busy with her various business ventures. "She's looking to establish her own brand and make millions," royal expert Daniela Elser told Radar Online in June. "For the first time, they are truly on divergent professional paths."
Are Harry and Meghan breaking up?
Are Harry and Meghan breaking up? For now, it seems that Harry and Meghan do not have intentions of splitting. Of the rumors, an insider told Page Six: “It’s not true, it’s literally made up."
The 'spending time apart' report comes after a slew of negative press.
Financial worries aside, things haven't exactly been going their way in recent months. That paparazzi car chase incident in May didn't exactly help their public image, either.
“I have never seen, experienced anything like this. What we were dealing with was very chaotic. There were about a dozen vehicles: cars, scooters and bicycles,” a member of the Sussexes' security team, Chris Sanchez, told CNN.
Although Sanchez claimed the incident "could have been fatal," the taxi driver later told NBC News that was "exaggerated."
Hopefully, things start looking up for the royal couple. We'll be sure to keep you updated!
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
