Meghan Markle rose to fame as an actress before becoming a royal. The former Suits star married Prince Harry in 2020. However, as widely known, the couple has since stepped back from royal duties and left their life in the UK behind. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced intense criticism due to allegations they’ve made against the Royal Family. Now, they’re building a more private life in the US.

Both Harry and Meghan have pursued new ventures. Most recently, Meghan launched her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchid, while Harry has embarked on solo trips abroad. Rumors about potential issues in their marriage have also surfaced.

Over the years, Meghan has lost both friends and supporters, primarily due to the controversies surrounding her royal exit. Earlier this week, royal expert and former friend of Princess Diana, Tina Brown, made sharp remarks about Meghan. Unfortunately, more criticism has followed, as another royal commentator has now claimed Meghan is responsible for her own challenges.

Struggles and rumors about the Sussexes’ marriage

Settling into life in the US has not been without its challenges for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. While they live in an impressive home and raise their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, their public image has taken several hits.

Recently, rumors about their marriage have gained traction, fueled by their separate public appearances. According to a source for GB News, Meghan is reportedly distressed by the ongoing speculation. “She has really felt the strain in recent weeks, and with all the speculation surrounding her and Harry and their marriage,” the insider said.

“They haven’t done themselves any favours by doing so many separate events, but this is what they have decided to do as it works best for them at the moment as a couple. They both feel they can shine at events that are close to their hearts.”

The source added that Meghan feels disheartened by the comparisons between her and Harry. “It does upset her that, while Harry was getting praised for all of his appearances, she is getting criticised for what she says, what she wears, etc., and it brings back hurtful memories of when she was a royal.”

Public perception and their brand as a couple

Although Harry and Meghan have faced criticism over their separate public engagements, PR expert Ed Coram James suggested this might be a strategic move. Speaking to The Mirror, he explained that while the Sussexes’ brand has been effective in the past, the fallout from their Oprah interview marked a turning point.

“Their brand has become more toxic and commercially untenable,” Coram James stated. He attributed this to their ongoing disputes with the Royal Family and Meghan’s family, combined with failed commercial projects. “This is because the ongoing confrontation… has made them appear confrontational and combative… their string of commercial projects that haven’t worked out… have led to a sense that they aren’t the best producers.”

Coram James added that their public relations issues have led to a perception of them as “spoiled, arrogant, immature, attention-seeking, aggressive, fight-picking, hypocritical, and incompetent.” However, he argued they might still salvage their reputations by pursuing independent brands. “When separate, they have a genuine chance of creating an entirely separate brand, with completely different labels.”