Prince Harry’s recent string of solo public appearances was his own idea, as he is “desperate” for one particular thing, sources have suggested.
The Duke of Sussex has been involved in a number of public events, including attending the WellChild awards in London, visiting a celebrity tattoo parlour in New York City, and appearing on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, reports the Express.
Despite this, Harry has not been seen with his wife, Meghan Markle, a fact that PR strategist Mark Borkowski previously told the Daily Telegraph indicated there was “something going on”.
However, two sources have weighed in on Harry’s motives for the solo outings, with one claiming that the Duke desires his “space”, while another suggested he could be “upping his game”.
A “well-placed” source in California informed the Daily Mail: “I hear he wanted it this way. I believe he wants space.”
Meanwhile, a London source commented: “This definitely feels like he is upping his game to cement his position as a serious player on the international stage.
“He’s always been desperate to be taken seriously and people I know say his fall from grace will really have got to him.”
The Mirror states that the Duchess remained at home during Harry’s trip to Lesotho, where he was pictured with Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso.
Mark Borkowski had previously commented on the Sussexes, stating that the “star power” they believed they would possess together “didn’t work” and they needed to “change the narrative”.
He stated: “They need a venture that deflects from the failures. The charity aspect impresses upon everybody that he [Harry] does have value beyond the controversial stuff.”
Mark went on to say: “It has the effect of separating them from the bad press and the failed content ideas. The punters still have time for Harry.”
In September, a source told the Express that Harry’s tours are a means to capitalise on his global popularity among royal enthusiasts.
They pointed out that Harry has a “considerable fanbase”, possibly even surpassing his wife’s, and suggested their Royal ties could be what’s “keeping them afloat”.
The Mirror revealed that during his recent visit to Southern Africa, the Duke also met with Prince Seeiso, where according to body language expert Darren Stanton, speaking for Betfair Bingo, Harry seemed “genuinely happy” and “in a very good place”.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry has been contacted for comment.