Despite their previous declarations of an unbreakable bond, Meghan and Harry have been noticeably apart recently, even during a string of high-profile public appearances. In a span of just over a week, they were together only once, at a Beyoncé concert in Los Angeles, where Meghan's mother, Doria, accompanied them. During the event, Harry oscillated between enthusiastic dancing and appearing visibly disinterested.
Interestingly, Meghan's habit of removing her engagement and eternity rings, as she did at the concert, has fueled rumors of a troubled marriage. Sources in Los Angeles have been murmuring about their relationship status for months, with some confidently asserting that "it's 100 percent over." Others speculate that Netflix may not renew their deal in two years, citing doubts about the couple's continued togetherness.
Delving into the evolving dynamics, Nikki, a branding expert and a friend of Meghan from before her marriage to Harry, explains the concept of "brand separation." Nikki suggests that the first step in this process is for Meghan to distance herself from the victim narrative and from Harry, allowing people to see her as an individual. This may involve shifting blame for her estrangement from her father, or perhaps her siblings, as well as maintaining a certain distance from them.
Meghan's challenge lies in moving away from the victim narrative, a strategy that both she and Harry have employed in different ways. Nikki notes that while Harry was more direct and plaintive about being a victim, Meghan also used the victim narrative in relation to the royal family, citing discrimination, unconscious bias, and other grievances. However, Nikki suggests that it may be too late for Meghan to distance herself from this narrative, as her recent actions have exposed her true intentions, resulting in her becoming the subject of ridicule.
Furthermore, Meghan and Harry's handling of their situation has drawn criticism. They were seen as too hasty in their actions, from their interview with Oprah to their decision to write a tell-all book, which tarnished their reputations and strained their family ties. Nikki argues that had they taken a more patient and humble approach, they could have built their brand more effectively while maintaining a connection with the royal family.
In the midst of these challenges, Meghan's efforts to prevent Harry from filing for divorce seem to be faltering, despite her attempts to use tactics that had previously appeased him. While they were seen together at the Beyoncé concert, their relationship appears to be on shaky ground, with reports suggesting that Harry may have already initiated divorce proceedings, though he may be allowing Meghan to seek independent work before finalizing the divorce.
