Harry and Meghan’s relationship has come under much scrutiny since their ‘professional split’ – but they will stay together for one key reason, according to Paul Burrell
Harry and Meghan have been married since May 2018(Image: PA)
In recent months there has been much speculation over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s marriage, much to the amusment of the Duke himself.
The once-inseparable couple embarked on a so-called ‘professional split’ at the end of 2024, and have endured a difficult start to the new year following the publication of a scathing article in Vanity Fair. Now a royal insider has shared their thoughts on the Sussexes’ relationship – and revealed why they think Harry and Meghan will ultimately remain together.
Paul Burrell worked as Princess Diana’s butler from 1987 until her death in 1997. Speaking on behalf of Prime CasSino, he reflected on the couple’s situation. “I personally think there are no signs of divorce because Harry would lose too much,” Paul said. “I think Meghan and Harry have a common goal to make themselves as rich as possible in as short a time as possible. I think that balance works together for the sake of their brand, their marriage. It is all the same thing. I think Meghan actually retains a fascination for lots of people.”
The former royal staffer went on to say that he believes Harry has forgotten one important rule taught to him by his late mother. “Harry and Meghan have a very privileged lifestyle. Harry has always had that and Meghan has long aspired for it. But now they share that lifestyle. I always circle back to the fact that Harry’s mother taught him long ago that the price for a privileged lifestyle is public service. Harry seems to have forgotten this lesson now he lives a celebrity Hollywood lifestyle that’s totally different from his royal one.”
Harry himself previously spoke out about the divorce rumours during an appearance at the New York Times DealBook Summit. “Apparently, we’ve bought or moved house 10, 12 times. We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well. So it’s just like, what?” he jibed.
Admitting that “it’s hard to keep up with, but that’s why you just sort of ignore it”, Harry went on to joke that he feels sorry for the trolls commenting on the state of his marriage, as their “hopes are just built and built, and it doesn’t happen”.
It comes as the couple prepare to make a public appearance together at the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada this week. Harry and Meghan’s joint outings have been few and far between in recent months; sources say this comes down to the fact Meghan wants to pursue business ideas, such as her American Riviera Orchard brand and her Netflix series, while Harry focuses on charitable work.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror: “I think Harry is happy to continue his family life in California but, hopefully, spend more of his time on his charity work into which I think he can pour his heart and soul. The commercial world is simply something he’s not used to and, let’s face it, his wife is probably better at it than he. No shame in that: he is a very wealthy man already and, in my opinion, can indeed carry out the kind of ‘universal service’ that he pointedly alluded to as he exited the official working Royal Family.
“I think it is an entirely legitimate way ahead for Meghan to concentrate on commercial activities and celebrity appearances, which she seems to very much enjoy, while Harry pursues the charitable work he is known for and where he can make such a difference. This is a modern world, after all, and it really doesn’t matter who is the chief breadwinner, as long as the family is happy and secure.”
Nevertheless, the Games in Canada come at a worrying time for the Sussexes. Two weeks into his second spell as US President, Donald Trump has been quickly setting the agenda for his presidency – and two people likely watching with concern are Harry and Meghan. Previously, Trump made a series of damning statements about the couple on the election campaign trail – even suggesting Harry could be deported from the United States.
Harry found himself in the centre of a row over his visa, which allows him to live in California. After admitting to using marijuana, cocaine and psychedelic mushrooms in his controversial memoir Spare, a lawsuit from the conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation argued that the US Government should release records about the Duke’s visa US application to show whether his drug use was disclosed.
And even though Trump has so far been busy dealing with other issues, royal expert Jennie believes it could be a worrying time for Harry and Meghan. She added: “It must be rather awkward having a President of the United States whom Meghan has openly criticised and who has the power to throw Harry out of the country if his visa application was proved to be fraudulent.
“You could say that it’s squeaky bum time for the Sussexes, but the fact is that the most powerful man in the free world probably has more to think about than the residency rights of an estranged Prince of the United Kingdom.”
