Is Meghan Markle ‘Toxic’ to Prince Harry’s Brand? Experts Weigh In

Since their fairytale wedding at Windsor Castle in 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been perceived as an inseparable duo, tirelessly pursuing various professional endeavors together. However, recent trends indicate a shift in their public appearances, with both opting for solo outings that have sparked widespread speculation and intrigue.

Solo Adventures and Public Perception

The couple’s recent excursions have included Prince Harry’s solo trip to New York, where he made a notable appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. This engagement marked one of many recent solo outings for the Duke of Sussex, who later traveled back to the UK to attend the WellChild Awards in London. Meanwhile, Meghan Markle was spotted attending the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala 2024, highlighting their growing trend of public engagements apart from each other.

As the couple continues to navigate their separate professional paths, public reaction has been mixed. While some speculate that this separation is a calculated public relations strategy aimed at reshaping their images, others suggest it might hint at underlying issues in their relationship.

Expert Insights on Strategic Moves

Celebrity branding expert Doug Eldridge weighed in on the duo’s evolving dynamic. He explained to Fox News Digital that Prince Harry’s solo trips are likely intentional, aimed at altering public perception. “Right now, when you see Harry and Meghan together, it conjures an immediate association to the drama, none of which is positive,” Eldridge noted.

He further elaborated, “For the time being, Harry can be seen like the charming guy he was always thought of, while Meghan is free to brand her forthcoming line of goods. In the long run, I don’t know if this will be beneficial for their partnership, but in the short term, it could be productive for their public relations battles.”

Questioning Markle’s Influence

The topic of their separate engagements has ignited discussions regarding Meghan Markle’s impact on Prince Harry’s public persona. Royal expert Kinsey Schofield, speaking on Sky News Australia, asserted that Harry had “finally” come to terms with the idea that Meghan may be “toxic” for his brand. She pointed out that their story continues to develop, especially as Harry spent additional days in South Africa without Meghan. “Prince Harry realizes that she is toxic for the brand he had established before he married her,” Schofield remarked.

This perspective has led to further questions about the couple’s future and the sustainability of their joint brand.

Changing the Narrative

PR strategist Mark Borkowski also chimed in, suggesting that the couple is indeed experiencing a shift in their public narrative. He indicated that their decision to go solo may signal a desire to “go back to basics” after their combined star power appeared to falter. “Something is going on between the married couple,” he stated, hinting at a need for change.

Borkowski explained that focusing on charity work could help restore Harry’s public image, emphasizing his value beyond past controversies. “The charity aspect impresses upon everybody that he [Harry] does have value beyond the controversial stuff,” he said. He believes that this strategy could effectively separate them from negative press and allow Harry to maintain a favorable public profile.