Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have always been a united force, but a source has claimed that the couple are facing a “growing rift” amid recent setbacks.

A source has claimed that weathering so many storms is taking its toll on Harry and Meghan

Since their departure as working members of the Royal Family in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been striving to establish their own brand while relishing their more private family life in California.

However, it appears that the couple may be feeling the strain, with tensions rising following the conclusion of their exclusive Spotify deal, backlash against Harry’s recognition award, and reported worries about the future of their Netflix partnership.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have consistently presented a united front, weathering numerous storms, as evidenced by their Netflix series, public appearances, and joint participation in the Invictus Games.

Yet, their efforts to stand on their own two feet could be taking its toll, as an insider alleged that for the first time in a long while, the couple are not collaborating, with a “growing rift” reportedly developing between them.

“This has been such a tough few months for Meghan and Harry and the pressure they are under is a lot to handle, they feel they are constantly under attack. When they first left the royals, they had so much support and that support seems to be dwindling over time and they’re facing more and more criticism,” a source told OK!.

A source claims there are tensions brewing in the background for the Royal couple (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

“Harry has been really hurt by the backlash over his award nomination and Meghan is still reeling over the Spotify axe as she loved doing that podcast and she knows people want her to fail with her next project so there’s quite a lot of tension in the house at the moment.”

Royal commentator Tom Quinn shared his insights with The Mirror US, remarking, “There is a growing rift between Harry and Meghan caused by Meghan’s increasing concern that her life is not going in the direction she had planned she loves media attention and hates the fact that surveys suggest she and Harry are no longer of much interest to the American public.”

In the previous year, Harry and Meghan, parents to Prince Archie, aged five, and three year old Princess Lilibet, saw their contract with Spotify come to an end after their Archetypes podcast aired for just 12 episodes. The Sussexes stated they had “mutually agreed to part ways” with the audio streaming giant.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Sussex brand in ‘turmoil’, expert claims (Image: Spotify)

Attempting to bounce back, Meghan inked a deal with Lemonada Media to produce a “dynamic new podcast”, however, this venture too seems to be hitting snags, with whispers suggesting its launch could be delayed until 2025.

Adding to their challenges, Harry recently encountered criticism regarding his nomination for the Pat Tillman Award for his contribution to the Invictus Games, which he helped establish in 2014. A petition demanding ESPN to “rethink” awarding Harry garnered signatures from more than 70,000 individuals.

Despite the outcry, ESPN stood by their choice, lauding Harry’s “incredible” efforts in a statement.

The couple also signed a five-year partnership with Netflix after they stepped down from the Royal Family, but there has been no news on whether their contract will be renewed.

At the same time Meghan is set to launch her own Netflix show alongside her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard – something that has already been panned by critics with one Sky News presenter telling viewers, “It sounds b****y awful.”

Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series is believed to focus on gardening, lifestyle, cooking and wellness (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

The Duchess created her new brand in March with its official website but is yet to offer products for budding fans to buy.

Tom also told The Mirror US, “With news that the couple’s Netflix contract may be under threat, along with the mockery that greeted the launch of her online brand, Meghan feels very much under siege.”

With the damaging effects of their projects “taking its toll” and pressure heightening, concerns have surfaced on whether they’re working as a team.

A source told OK!: “They are both so determined to prove everyone wrong that for the first time in a long time. Obviously, they are very supportive of each other but they have to be a success to make money to pay for their lavish lifestyle and they need the public onside.”

Projects loom for the Sussexes, but a source insists change is essential for their brand’s progression. They revealed, “The royals have really turned things around and are very popular again and Meghan, in particular, is determined for them to be number one. They know they can’t go on like this as it’s started to affect their brand and they are going to make changes.”

They added, “However, they now have to show off their other talents to become the global success that they so desperately want but they have a lot to overcome.”