Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have both made solo appearances in recent weeks – sparking rumours of ‘separate lives’ – as experts weigh in on what the future holds for the couple.

Just a couple of years ago, Meghan Markle famously compared her relationship with Prince Harry to “salt and pepper”, stating they always “move together”.

However, recent events suggest a shift in this dynamic, with both royals making individual appearances, sparking speculation. Just last month, Harry was away from Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for at least two weeks, making public appearances in New York, London, and Southern Africa.

While Harry was globetrotting, Meghan was seldom seen, although she did make an appearance at a star-studded gala for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, donning a stunning red gown as she posed for photographers. She also made a solo visit to a girls’ leadership organisation to celebrate International Day of the Girl, noticeably without her engagement ring.

This followed Harry’s attendance at a charity event for first responders hosted by Hollywood actor Kevin Costner, which Meghan reportedly missed due to illness – several weeks after their joint trip to Colombia. The apparent divergence in their careers has fueled rumors about their private life, including a report that Harry spent his 40th birthday on a hiking trip with friends instead of with his wife.

A confidante close to the couple spilled to The Sun, highlighting that “It is normal for couples to not do everything together” and pinpointed Meghan as the planner of Harry’s itinerary. But even their own community paper, the Montecito Journal, has picked up the scent of speculation on Harry and Meghan’s seemingly diverging paths, reports the Mirror.

Yet industry experts are shedding light on the separate trajectories of the duo, particularly in their professional lives. PR guru Mark Borkowski dished to The Telegraph about the Sussexes’ strategic “separation of work”, something that has been in the works for some time as Meghan hones her focus on her burgeoning American Riviera Orchard brand.

Borkowski posits that their individual forays stem from the realization that their joint celebrity allure may not have lived up to expectations post-royal exit. He said, “They had to change the narrative. They need a venture that deflects from the failures.”

He further asserted, “The charity aspect impresses upon everybody that he [Harry] does have value beyond the controversial stuff. It has the effect of separating them from the bad press and the failed content ideas. The punters still have time for Harry.”

On another note, those close to the Sussexes firmly dismiss any talk of marital issues. One buddy elucidated to People magazine, “[It’s] as much a reflection on parenting priorities, in that one of them stays behind with the children.”

Sources close to the Royal couple have spilled the tea on why we’re seeing more solo appearances lately, hinting at a strategic shift in their joint ventures. Speaking to People magazine, one insider dished: “It’s clear that a twin-track approach is evolving.”

Meanwhile, another confidant chimed in with: “The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals not just as a couple. The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track.”

They elaborated on the couple’s separate paths, saying: “An entrepreneurial and enterprise focus is going to be more the Duchess’s priority and the Duke will continue to champion his not-for-profit patronages. But there will be joint efforts around those cause-driven areas of work.”

In a juicy update last week, it was buzzed that the duo has dropped a cool £6million on a swanky holiday pad in Portugal, rubbing shoulders with none other than Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie, hubby Jack, and their little ones August and Ernest.

A source confided to OK! about the couple’s new sunny hideaway: “It gives them an escape outside of America and means they can safely holiday in Europe in the sunshine. 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.”