Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no stranger to divorce rumours but, for months now, their new professional ‘separation’ has further fuelled whispers of an imminent split.
And earlier this month, Harry, 40, was again forced to address speculation over his six-year marriage to Meghan, 43, when US columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin questioned him over how he handles the furore surrounding his relationship.
At the time, Harry joked that he and Meghan had been divorced ’10 or 12’ times, but insiders have revealed how the constant need to silence and laugh off rumours has led Meghan to assess their marriage and make an action plan in a bid to quash any talk of divorce in 2025.
An insider says, 'They’re very clear they are not divorcing and just as committed as ever but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some areas they want to, and need to, work on.
‘One thing that has really fallen by the wayside is romance, and they’ve vowed to tackle that very proactively. That means arranging date nights, going on more special trips just the two of them, and even going hiking together or with the kids a couple of times a week when they’re both in L.A.’
Taking the huge decision to step down as senior working royals in 2020 following what was later revealed as Meghan’s battle with her mental health after the birth of their first child, Archie, Harry and Meghan were inseparable as they began their new life in Canada and then the US, where they have now settled in Montecito.
Their talked-about relationship also proved to be the foundation of their mega-money deals with the likes of Netflix, Spotify, Apple and Penguin – with the eyes of the world watching on as their love story played out in their 2022 documentary, Harry & Meghan.
However, the following year, a representative for Harry was forced to deny reports that speculated on Harry’s use of a private suite at the exclusive San Vicente Bungalows in Hollywood, where it was claimed he spent time away from Meghan.
And as Meghan continues to struggle with trademark issues for her lifestyle brand, while their feud with the royals still rumbles on, insiders have claimed their marriage has been put under huge pressure this year.
The couple – who share son Archie, five, and daughter Lilibet, three – have also spent increasing amounts of time away from each other since September, when sources revealed how Harry and Meghan had opted to take a new ‘twin-track’ approach to save their sinking Sussex brand.
Harry has flown solo to events in London, New York and South Africa, while Meghan has attended a number of events in LA and Beverly Hills, including a launch party, a baby shower and a charity gala.
But now the source says the couple– who are expected to attend the 2025 Invictus Games together in February, which will be held in Vancouver – are determined to spend more time together in the New Year.
The source adds, ‘They’re really going to carve out the time, they need to otherwise their schedules get so jammed, and now with their separate focuses, it’s very easy to become like ships passing in the night.
‘They’re planning to spend 45 minutes every morning together before the kids get up to either do a guided meditation or a yoga session, to strengthen their spiritual bond. It used to be a habit but they’ve fallen out of it and they both find the practice very grounding.
‘Meghan has also talked about learning to surf this year so that she can join Harry out on the waves. He loves it, and she wants to be able to share that with him.’
During an episode for her Archetypes podcast in 2022, Meghan opened up about her own fight against the suicidal thoughts that led Harry to urgently seeking a referral for her to speak to a therapist. Likewise, Harry has also spoken out about undergoing therapy – even recording a live session to raise awareness for mental health in 2023.
And now the source says the couple are still huge advocates of asking for help, and that her and Harry have discussed having regular ‘pre-emptive’ therapy to combat any issues that may come up.
The source says, ‘Harry and Meghan have vowed to make weekly sessions a regular part of their routine in the coming year. They’re both big believers in therapy and have decided that doing some preemptive couple’s therapy could really benefit their marriage.
‘Communication is so key and not always easy, especially because Harry was raised with the stiff upper lip mentality, so having someone to help them navigate those tough discussions is bound to be a big help.’
However, their feud with the Royal family still appears to be overshadowing their long-term happiness, with sources claiming that ‘homesick’ Harry was ‘hit hard’ by the news of Kate Middleton and King Charles’ cancer diagnoses earlier this year.
But with Kate, who has now finished her treatment, said to be focusing on her immediate family with no plans to reach out to Harry or Meghan, the source says the pair have agreed to stay ‘patient’.
They add, ‘They’ve also vowed to stay patient when it comes to the palace and all the things that go on that can really get them worked up. They’re not going to sweat that stuff anymore.’
In the meantime, the pair, who have reportedly not received an invite to spend Christmas with the royals, are said to be reuniting for the festive period and holding a quiet celebration at home in California with their children as they practice gratitude for the year ahead.
The source adds, ‘This coming year they’re really going to be all about being present and grateful for all they have, and that includes their marriage. As hectic as life is for them, they’ve both agreed that their relationship still needs to come first, because without a healthy marriage, nothing else works.’