In the latest chapter of the Sussex saga, Meghan Markle made headlines by attending a Thanksgiving event without her husband, Prince Harry, fueling speculation of a growing rift within the royal rebel couple. Reports suggest that their professional relationship is “in a very bad state,” and their increasing solo appearances seem to bolster the claim.
Markle, the former *Suits* star turned duchess-activist, hosted an intimate Thanksgiving dinner last week through the Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation. The event, aimed at supporting Afghan women resettled in the United States, was described in a statement on Archewell’s website as a “heartfelt dinner” focused on “gratitude and resilience.”
Harry, notably absent, was instead occupied with Invictus Games-related events in Vancouver, leaving Markle to steer this latest Archewell endeavor on her own.
Markle’s statement detailed her role in the event, held in collaboration with Mina’s List, a group dedicated to empowering women from Afghanistan. “This initiative has spent the past year building community through storytelling and creating a safe space for women,” the duchess proclaimed, highlighting a shared meal designed to foster “open conversation.”
Participants received cookware from *Our Place,* a company co-founded by activist Shiza Shahid. Markle expressed her “deep appreciation” for the women who shared their personal stories and cultural traditions. Critics, however, might question whether this carefully choreographed dinner was more about optics than tangible outcomes, especially in the context of Archewell’s often vague claims of impact.
While Markle mingled with Afghan women and polished her image of compassion, Prince Harry was across the continent at Invictus Games events in Vancouver. This division of labor—if it can even be called that—has become increasingly noticeable. The pair have appeared at few events together recently, leading to whispers that the Sussex partnership may be unraveling, at least on the professional front.
Their last joint appearance was a pre-recorded video for Veteran’s Day, during which Harry admitted they were at a “crossroads” in their work. While they pledged to focus on initiatives like online safety for children, their visible separation has sparked questions about the health of their collaboration.
The couple is slated to reunite in February 2025 for the next Invictus Games in Canada, an event Harry founded and has championed for years. Markle hinted at the possibility of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, attending, though the duchess’s reliability on such promises remains questionable.
As the Sussexes navigate their increasingly individual paths, one thing is clear: public perception of their brand is at a crossroads. For Harry, his ongoing commitment to Invictus underscores his genuine passion for veterans. For Markle, her hosting of events like the Thanksgiving dinner offers an opportunity to cultivate her own image—but not without skepticism.
The question remains: are these separate appearances strategic, or do they reveal cracks in the once-united Sussex front? Whatever the answer, it’s hard to ignore the irony of two self-styled advocates for unity seemingly struggling to maintain their own.
