Harry and Meghan split careers after faltering power couple plan

When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to California to seek new opportunities, supporters predicted they would become a powerful duo, similar to George and Amal Clooney, who attended their wedding, but with a royal allure. Comparisons were also drawn to former US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, whose successful ventures into books and podcasts they aimed to replicate.

This week, it has become evident that this aspiration has faltered, with Prince Harry and Meghan now pursuing distinct career paths. To understand this shift, it is necessary to revisit the time they arrived in the US.

Their intent to leverage their status as a couple became apparent soon after they touched down in Los Angeles. Harry referred to it as a ‘freedom flight’ from Canada during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Residing in a mansion generously loaned by American TV star Tyler Perry, whom Harry admitted he did not know, the couple began planning their emergence as a significant force in the US.

Almost a month apart for the Sussex snakes.. that’s huge! What happened to Salt & Pepper.. 😏

Harry continues his break from #DuchessDifficult to continue work in NY and London.. 🔥

“It is significant he is doing so much on his own now. They are living more separate lives as… pic.twitter.com/PPHBjs94GH

— Lou-bug Windsor 🦖 (@LoubugWindsor) September 23, 2024

They established Archewell, a blend of for-profit and nonprofit entities, registered in tax-friendly Delaware. They hoped it would grant them a status akin to that which former US presidents Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton attained through their foundations. They then focused on monetising their royal connections. They secured multi-million-dollar agreements with media giants Netflix and Spotify.

Both Harry and Meghan appeared on the pilot episode of their podcast, underscoring that Spotify had signed them as a pair. They featured notable guests like Sir Elton John, James Corden, and Tyler Perry, aiming to showcase their ability to attract high-profile names.

Three months later, they participated in a revealing television interview with Oprah Winfrey, their Santa Barbara neighbour. Meghan’s claims during the interview about the future Princess of Wales making her cry and allegations of racism among senior royals caused a substantial rift with the Royal Family. This interview also alienated many who had previously supported Harry and Meghan.

Eden: Prince Harry & Meghan are going their separate ways professionally! https://t.co/qVseRRESZK pic.twitter.com/cG5AgMFQ72

— celebitchy (@celebitchy) September 26, 2024

The backlash from the interview may have been the moment doubts arose about their ‘power couple’ strategy. Despite this, they proceeded with their Netflix deal, reportedly worth $100 million, and released their reality show, “Harry & Meghan,” the following year. When their first podcast series was released by Spotify that same year, Harry’s voice was absent. The series, “Archetypes,” was presented solely by Meghan.

The former actress apparently decided she deserved the spotlight. However, the series turned out to be their first and last for Spotify, which ended the deal in 2023. Spotify executive Bill Simmons disparaged the couple as ‘f***ing grifters’ and mocked Harry’s podcast ideas. Meghan’s solo series set the precedent for their future careers. She left Harry to promote his memoirs alone, which further strained relations with the royals and their supporters.

Their upcoming Netflix projects are separate: Meghan has filmed a cookery and lifestyle show set to air next year, while Harry has created a programme about polo, his favourite sport. This week, Harry has been in New York alone, engaging in charitable activities related to his late mother, Princess Diana, which previously interested Meghan.

Notably, Harry appeared more relaxed than during his previous visit to the city with Meghan, which was marred by claims of a ‘high-speed car chase’ with paparazzi, later denied by the police. Harry’s smiles contrasted with the frowns he displayed during his visit to Colombia with Meghan last month.

A source in California suggests Meghan believes their interests are best served by pursuing separate careers. ‘They will still undertake some charitable engagements together and embark on foreign visits, but their work projects will be separate,’ the source stated. Perhaps Meghan considers herself the bigger draw in showbusiness, leaving Harry to focus on mending family ties during more frequent and extended visits back home.