Meghan Markle’s triumphant return to the red carpet and Prince Harry’s solo charm offensive at global events have been making headlines. However, a source has told OK! that the Duchess of Sussex is feeling the strain of their new dynamic.
The couple hasn’t been seen together in public for over a month as 40 year old Harry has travelled across three continents without his wife of six years – or their two children – by his side. While rumours of them living almost separate lives will be something they are no doubt used to by now, a source says the recent weeks’ pressure is starting to affect Meghan, 43.
“She has really felt the strain in recent weeks, and with all the speculation surrounding her and Harry and their marriage,” they claimed.
“They haven’t done themselves any favours by doing so many separate events but this is what they have decided to do as it works best for them at the moment as a couple and they both feel they can shine at events that are close to their hearts.
“But it does upset her that, while Harry was getting praised for all of his appearances, she is getting criticised for what she says, what she wears etc and it brings back hurtful memories of when she was a royal.”
Meghan’s glamorous walk onto the red carpet at an Los Angeles children’s hospital gala last month, dressed in a fiery red low-cut gown with her tousled hair hanging loose, appeared to send a very clear message – the Hollywood star was back, reports the Mirror.
A few days on, the Duchess stunned again with her poise, donning chic white trousers and a refined blue buttoned shirt as she honoured International Day of the Girl Child at Girl Inc. in Greater Santa Barbara.
The organisation was celebrating the launch of a new venture – Social Media U – designed to inspire teenage girls to cultivate a positive relationship with technology while tackling topics such as body image and mental health. This campaign garnered support through funds from Meghan and Harry’s Archewell Foundation.
Nevertheless, when a co-founder of the non-profit mentioned to an American publication that Meghan had “talked about being one of the most bullied people in the world”, it inadvertently reignited an old controversy surrounding the Duchess and accusations of bullying. Post-publication, an insider told the New York Post that Meghan had merely spoken of her online bullying experiences and “never claimed” to be the most bullied person.
One individual close to the erstwhile ‘Suits’ star confided that these recent events have made her feel unfairly targeted. “She felt very bullied and scrutinised back when she was a working royal, and she feels the bullying is returning,” they imparted.
According to the confidant, Meghan seeks public empathy for the challenges she’s faced and finds the constant conjecture around her marriage and a supposed rift with Harry overwhelming at times. “She wants people to remember how tough she has had it and is trying to get the public back onside.
“And it’s hard to hear the constant speculation about her marriage and her and Harry living separate lives, because as much as she tries to ignore it, sometimes it gets the better of her.”
Harry and Meghan have made a splash in the property market, securing a luxurious £6m home in Melides, Portugal. The couple’s new purchase places them among neighbours such as Princess Eugenie and George Clooney but has stirred local unease due to celebrity presence near their once public beach.
This Portuguese haven could offer the Duke and Duchess a perfect compromise, providing a sunny European getaway with easy access to England for Harry.
An insider revealed: “It gives them an escape outside of America and means they can safely holiday in Europe in the sunshine,” and noted, “When they’re there, Harry can easily go to England if he feels the need to, and it also gives friends and some members of the family the opportunity to visit them as it’s only a short flight. The invitation for Charles to come and see his grandchildren is there and now it will be up to them whether they take it up.”
In contrast to Harry’s harsh view of the UK media, the American press had been more lenient until a bombshell report from The Hollywood Reporter disclosed significant departures from the Sussexes’ team, including their chief of staff and global press secretary.
The piece triggered debate with its portrayal that Meghan suffered “noisy tantrums” and sent incensed emails in the wee hours, including claims from sources that staff were “terrified” by her and dubbed her “Duchess Difficult”. Defending the story, the magazine’s editor stated that the journalist consulted roughly a dozen people “who had worked very closely with the couple in various capacities”.
Yet, Meghan has firmly rebutted any allegations of bullying or being an onerous employer. During an edition of her Archetypes podcast, she underscored the value of boundary-setting, asserting: “You’re allowed to set a boundary. You’re allowed to be clear. It does not make you demanding. It does not make you difficult. Makes you clear.”
A confidant shared that Meghan is more resolute than ever in shielding herself and Harry from negativity, especially for their children Archie and Lilibet’s wellbeing. and has pledged to put her children’s happiness first, frequently opting not to join Harry on trips to prevent being away from them for long periods.
They outlined Meghan’s resolve: “She is very strong, both by herself and with Harry, and she refuses to be beaten as she wants to make sure the children aren’t affected by anything that goes on outside the home. The happiness of Archie and Lili will always be her number one priority and she will always put them first, which is why she doesn’t always go away with Harry as she hates leaving them for long periods of time.”
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.