Prince Harry And Meghan's Solo Outings Reportedly Due To 'Toxic' Brand As A Couple

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been noticeably absent from each other's side in recent weeks, sparking speculation about the state of their relationship.

However, it has been reported that their time apart has a "toxic" reason behind it, with PR expert Ed Coram James insisting that their lengthy public hiatus is only an effort to rebrand.

Since their various solo outings began, Prince Harry has taken a trip to Lesotho for his Sentabale charity, while Meghan Markle was spotted at the L.A. Children's hospital gala alone.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been away from each other's side in the past couple of weeks, leading many to speculate that their marriage is having issues.

However, a PR expert has set the records straight, claiming that the couple's prolonged separation from public view has nothing to do with their marriage and that it's all business and branding.

"Since their marriage, Harry and Meghan have had a distinct brand," James told GB News. "That brand is based on a duo. Call it 'Harry and Meghan,' call it 'the Sussexes,' call it whatever you like. The fact is that for years, they have become synonymous with one another."

James further claimed that their joint image has become "toxic" and that their effort to stay away from each other's side is a well-thought-out affair to distinguish their individuality and make the brand more marketable.

"Since the famous Oprah interview, in which they took a simmering disagreement between themselves and the rest of the Royal Family and essentially declared all-out-war, that brand has been steadily becoming more toxic and thus commercially untenable to the point where not that many major brands are going to be rushing to write them a large cheque based on their brand value," he explained.

James added, "When combined, the Sussexes brand is, from a PR perspective, toxic. But, when separate, they have a genuine chance of creating an entirely separate brand, with completely different labels."

According to the news outlet, a source close to the couple shared that they are still together and that the former "Suits" actress finds the rumors draining.

"She has really felt the strain in recent weeks, and with all the speculation surrounding her and Harry and their marriage," the source said.

They added, "[Harry and Meghan] haven't done themselves any favors 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."

Harry and Meghan reportedly bought a home in Portugal next to the duke's supportive cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank.

A source recently told GB News that the move was made to ensure that Harry's kids, Prince Archie, and daughter, Lilibet, have a bond with Eugenie's children August and Ernest.

"Harry must know his children are not going to grow up as friends of William's children, George, Charlotte, and Louis. A bond for Lilibet and Archie with Eugenie's kids will be the only royal friendship they will have," they said. "Most likely, August and Ernest are the only cousins they are going to ever spend time with."

They added, "So time in Portugal, even just for holidays, means that Harry is keeping the only door to the Royal Family just a little bit open for himself and for the next generation, and raising them as royal children, at least in some way."

Amid his solo endeavors, Harry's warring brother, Prince William, name-dropped him for the first time in six years.

According to the Daily Mail, William appeared in the new documentary "Prince William: We Can End Homelessness," where he recounted a certain time when their late mom took them both to a homeless shelter in London as children to show them how life is outside the palace.

"My mother took me to the Passage, she took Harry and I both there... I'd never been to anything like that before and I was a bit anxious as to what to expect," William shared. "My mother went about her usual part of making everyone feel relaxed and having a joke with everyone...I remember having some good conversation, playing chess, and chatting."

He added, "You meet people, like I did then, who put a different perspective in your head."

According to the news outlet, William has not publicly said his brother's name in public since 2018 when he, Kate, and Meghan all sat for an interview at the Royal Foundation Forum.