Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been working hard to rebuild their reputations ever since stepping back from their roles as senior royals. Meghan’s popularity hit a snag in September when a story was released suggesting she was extremely difficult to work with, but Harry and Meghan have been trying to look past it.

Now, the two are planning a number of outings and appearances without each other, but one insider says that it’s all part of a bigger plan.

Prince Harry on a solo trip to South Africa in October 2024Prince Harry on a solo trip to South Africa in October 2024 | Brian Otieno/Getty Images for Sentebale

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s solo outings have meaning

Harry has been away from home for a little while. He’s been traveling around the world, including to New York and Lesotho, where he has been undertaking charitable initiatives. The prince has spent time away from Meghan and the kids, but it’s all with the greater good in mind. While he’s been gone, Meghan has also made her own appearances. She recently attended a gala for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and she appeared excited to see some people she knew there.

But Harry and Meghan’s separate appearances are all supposedly part of a greater plan to help rebuild their popularity. One insider told People, “It’s clear that a twin-track approach is evolving.”

A royal source also told the magazine, “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.”

Meghan is working on her new brand, American Riviera Orchard, and she is also reportedly working on a new cooking show with Netflix.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have tried to maintain privacy in their lives

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the royal family for one big reason: They wanted to live a life on their own terms. While they’re still in the spotlight, they have been able to pick and choose when they make appearances.

Plus, Harry and Meghan have been able to keep their children out of the spotlight. Although the couple share two kids, we don’t see much of Prince Archie and Princes Lilibet. Harry had always said that he wanted to raise his own family in a world where they weren’t subjected to the public eye at such a young age, and living in the United States has allowed them to do just that. It’s possible we’ll see more of the duke and duchess making separate public appearances in the coming months and years.