Prince Harry has recently been attending public events without Meghan Markle, sparking curiosity and discussion about potential changes in his role and personal life. These solo appearances have led to speculation about why the Duke of Sussex has chosen to attend these events on his own.

Royal experts and social media users alike have weighed in, offering various explanations and reactions.

Following the well-documented rift within the British royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the UK in 2020 to start a new life in North America. The couple had been making public appearances together since their departure, presenting a united front. However, Prince Harry’s recent solo outings have raised questions about this change in dynamic.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had announced their intention to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family, citing a desire for financial independence and privacy for their son, Archie.

This decision reportedly surprised and upset the royal family, particularly since it came after months of media scrutiny and without prior consultation with Queen Elizabeth II or Prince William. The public announcement marked a significant shift in the royal family’s dynamics, and tensions only increased after the publication of Harry’s memoir, Spare.

In the book, Harry revealed long-standing issues between him and his brother, including heated arguments and a physical altercation. He made it clear that his departure from royal duties was about preserving his family’s mental and physical well-being. He emphasized that Meghan Markle was not responsible for the breakdown of his relationship with his brother, addressing widespread rumors that she had caused the rift.

Since moving to North America, Meghan has returned to the UK only once, for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022. Her absence from King Charles III’s coronation in 2023 further highlighted the strained relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. Meanwhile, Harry’s solo ventures have continued, with him attending events such as a charity benefit hosted by Kevin Costner and a World Health Organization (WHO) dinner.

Harry’s recent activities also include supporting causes that have been close to his heart, such as WellChild, the Invictus Games, and The Diana Award. These efforts have reportedly been part of a broader attempt to assert his own identity and independence as he approaches his 40th birthday. Experts suggest that Prince Harry is trying to find new purpose in his life post-royal duties, and his solo appearances reflect his desire to move forward independently.

Despite these public engagements, Harry is reportedly grappling with his transition away from the royal family. Some experts believe he may feel like a “spare part” at times and could be seeking more personal fulfillment as he navigates this new chapter of his life. Biographer Phil Dampier noted that Harry has appeared less happy at some of his joint appearances with Meghan, and his solo outings could indicate his desire to establish himself on his own terms.

Rumors have also circulated that Prince Harry could be rethinking his future role within the UK or even considering returning to royal duties in some capacity. However, royal commentators caution that such speculation is likely exaggerated, and Harry’s recent appearances may simply be part of his broader effort to reinvent himself. Richard Fitzwilliams, another royal expert, pointed out that Harry’s recent work with organizations like the Invictus Games and WellChild has deep roots in his pre-marriage days, indicating a continuation of his established interests.

In addition to his public engagements, Harry is reportedly reconnecting with old friends and focusing on his personal life. He has been spending time with friends ahead of his 40th birthday, which included a lads-only weekend getaway. This focus on personal relationships and solo appearances seems to be part of his broader attempt to carve out a more independent path for himself.

On social media, reactions to Harry’s solo appearances have been mixed. Some users believe that his marriage to Meghan Markle may be strained, interpreting her absence as a sign of trouble. Others, however, feel that Harry seems more relaxed and content when attending events alone and suggest that he should continue to make independent appearances in the future.

As Prince Harry continues to navigate life outside the royal family, his solo public engagements and personal reflections have prompted widespread speculation about his future. While his independent ventures may represent a new chapter in his life, they also highlight the ongoing complexities of his relationship with the royal family and his attempts to forge a new identity.