Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear to be moving forward with a clear “professional separation,” making unexpected choices that reflect their fast-paced lives.
Since stepping away from royal duties and relocating to the U.S. in 2020 — a move driven by media pressure and strained family relations — the couple has built a new life with their children, Archie (6) and Lilibet (3).
Although Prince Harry recently admitted that his children may never visit the UK, especially after losing his bid for publicly funded security, and with King Charles III reportedly no longer in contact with him, the couple seems to be living the independent life they once envisioned.
Now settled in Montecito, Santa Barbara, they’ve each pursued individual career paths. Together, they launched a Netflix docuseries and their nonprofit, Archewell. Meghan has also branched out with her lifestyle brand As Ever and a personal Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.
It’s clear that Harry and Meghan have been working hard to reinvent themselves since stepping back from their senior royal roles over five years ago. But now, it looks like they’re shifting gears professionally.
Toward the end of 2024, reports surfaced suggesting that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were entering a phase of “professional separation.”
To be clear, this doesn’t mean they’re splitting up personally—it just means they’re now focusing on separate projects instead of always working as a team.
Back in December, GB News’ Royal Editor Svar Nanan-Sen explained how the couple had been following “two clear strategies” to boost their public image.
The first strategy involved joint appearances, like their 2024 visits to Colombia and Nigeria. The second focused on each of them building up their personal brands in the U.S., moving away from the “power couple” label.
According to a recent update from GB News, the two are now setting up their own “royal” structures, fully separating their work lives. Interestingly, this includes appointing their own chiefs of staff—a move that has surprised many.
Reports say that Miranda Barbot, a seasoned political and media adviser who played a key role in Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign, will now be working exclusively with Prince Harry. Meanwhile, Meghan will be supported by Sarah Fosmo, a former aide to Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates.
Meredith Kendall Maines, a communications strategist, will lead the new setup, which includes 11 staff members based in both Montecito and the UK.
One of the team’s first priorities will be to support Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, oversee the second season of With Love, Meghan, and help produce episodes for her podcast, Confessions Of A Female Founder.
As for Prince Harry, he’s reportedly preparing to launch a new commercial project in the near future, though details remain under wraps. He’ll also continue his ongoing work with the Invictus Games Foundation.
All in all, things seem to be moving full speed ahead for Harry and Meghan — and many are eager to see what they do next!