Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no strangers to divorce rumours but, for months now, their new professional ‘separation’ has further fuelled whispers of an imminent split.
And recently, 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 their 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 a set of new ‘marriage rules’ for the New Year.
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 LA.’
Last week, Harry also talked about how much he loves his new life in California, which includes pursuing his hobbies of Polo and surfing.
And while Meghan is content to cheer on Harry – whose Netflix documentary, Polo, premiered last week – from the sidelines at their local Santa Barbara Polo and Racket Club in Montecito, the insider says one of their new goals as a couple is to spend more time together on joint interests.
The source says, ‘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.
‘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.’
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 the couple had opted to take a new ‘twin-track’ approach to save their sinking Sussex brand.
Harry has flown solo to charity events in London, New York and South Africa, while Meghan has attended a number of showbiz events, including her pal’s make-up launch party, a baby shower last week and the LA Children’s Hospital Gala in Beverly Hills earlier this month.
But now the source says the couple – who are expected to attend the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver together in February – 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 sometimes panic about all the rumours around their marriage and want to show people that they’re stronger than ever.’
But this isn’t the first time they have faced reports of trouble in paradise.
In 2023 – a year after the release of their Netflix debut, Harry & Meghan – 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 went to spend time away from Meghan.
And as Meghan continues to struggle with copyright issues for her lifestyle brand, while their feud with the royals rumbles on, insiders have claimed their marriage has been put under huge pressure.
However, both Harry, who recorded a live therapy session to raise awareness for mental health in 2023, and Meghan, who talked about seeking professional guidance at her ‘lowest point’ after the birth of Archie, have been outspoken about the importance of asking for help.
And now the source says the pair 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 believe it 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.’
In the meantime, the pair, who reportedly did not receive an invite to spend Christmas with the royals and are said to have held a quiet celebration at home in California with their children, have been practising 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.’