Prince Harry spotted without Meghan Markle at chef José Andrés’ book launch in California
Prince Harry stepped out solo in California, photographed at the Los Angeles book launch of chef José Andrés’ new cookbook ‘Spain My Way’ at Andrés’ restaurant San Laurel. Harry was all smiles as he posed with the acclaimed chef and Alan Semsar, with Meghan Markle notably absent from the outing.The appearance came shortly after Meghan travelled to Geneva alone to deliver a speech on safe online spaces for children, with Harry similarly absent from that trip. The two separate solo outings prompted fresh commentary from royal observers about the direction of the couple’s relationship.
Royal commentators on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry heading in different directions
Harry’s absence from Meghan’s Geneva trip did not go unnoticed. “I think they are heading in different directions, but that’s a different issue,” Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News.Royal commentator Rafe Heydel-Mankoo offered a more pointed assessment of the couple’s dynamic. “The marriage has been a huge success for Meghan in terms of her profile, in terms of her business career, in terms of her wealth and her status,” he told the outlet. “But I think for Harry, one must objectively say the marriage has been a disaster in terms of his standing, his approval ratings, his connection to the monarchy, his connection to the British people.”Heydel-Mankoo also suggested that Harry had struggled to find meaningful purpose in his new life. “He essentially chosen a life in America that has left him unable to perform any meaningful role. As I’ve often said, he knows really how to be a prince or a polo player or a soldier, none of which are of much use in California,” he said.
Ongoing tensions with the royal family
The couple faced ongoing friction with the royal family since stepping back from their roles in 2020. Sources suggested Meghan in particular felt the weight of a double standard in how the couple were perceived. “She feels like she’s constantly being judged by a completely different rulebook,” a source told Star Magazine. “No matter what she does, Kate will be the golden girl and she will be the villain. There’s one set of rules for William and Kate and another for them. All the resentment over the double standard is bubbling up again.”
Concerns about the future of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s marriage
The growing speculation around the couple’s separate public appearances also led to concerns among those close to them. “People in their world are starting to have very real fears that the marriage will not survive,” a source told RadarOnline.com. “The tension is getting worse all the time.”Neither Harry nor Meghan’s representatives responded publicly to the commentary, and the couple gave no indication themselves of any difficulties in their relationship.
