Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to split their professional endeavors has sparked significant discussion about the motivations behind the move. According to UK PR specialist Mark Borkowski, the couple’s realization that their “star power wasn’t as successful as they hoped” might have been the turning point.
Borkowski explained how the couple’s shared brand initially faltered. “There has been a separation [of their work] for a while,” he noted. “Harry is ‘going back to basics’ with a formula that worked well for him as a Royal Family member.” However, he added, “There’s also the realization that the couple’s ‘star power’ wasn’t as successful as they hoped. They had to change the narrative.”
Celebrity branding expert Doug Eldridge supported this perspective, likening their decision to a strategic move at the poker table. “This is akin to splitting aces at the poker table,” he explained. “Together, you’d think they’re unbeatable—and normally they would be—but oftentimes it’s better to play two separate hands with an ace as an anchor.”
Eldridge pointed out that the couple’s joint public appearances have become closely tied to controversy. “When you see Harry and Meghan together, it conjures an immediate association to the drama, none of which is positive: leaving the Royal Family, the tell-all book, the sit-downs, the negativity,” he said. By pursuing individual paths, they might find it easier to reshape their public image. “By contrast, when seen separately, they can almost play their hand, just like the pair of aces you split at the table.”
Prince Harry, Eldridge observed, could regain his reputation as the “charming guy he was always thought of,” while Meghan could focus on building her own brand. Speculation about Meghan’s forthcoming business ventures, including a rumored lifestyle line, suggests she may be poised for a fresh start.
This shift in strategy marks a new chapter for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they work to redefine their individual legacies. For Harry, it’s a return to his roots, leveraging the goodwill he built as a royal. For Meghan, it’s an opportunity to establish herself as a force in the commercial and cultural arenas.
Whether this split will help them regain the influence they once sought remains to be seen. For now, it’s a calculated gamble designed to give them each a better hand to play.