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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to separate their professional work has come after a realization that their brand’s popularity may not have reached the heights they had hoped for. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who initially aimed to build a successful joint brand, have now shifted strategies as they pursue individual paths.
PR expert Mark Borkowski recently spoke to Best magazine, shedding light on the couple’s evolving professional dynamic. “There has been a separation [of their work] for a while,” Borkowski noted. He explained that Harry has reverted to a more familiar approach. “Harry is ‘going back to basics’ with a formula that worked well for him as a Royal Family member, but there’s also the realization that the couple’s ‘star power’ wasn’t as successful as they hoped.”
This work separation comes after the couple’s initial attempts to create a common brand through high-profile deals with platforms like Netflix and Spotify. However, despite their efforts, their star power did not resonate with audiences as anticipated, leading to a pivot in their career strategies.
“They had to change the narrative,” Borkowski explained, acknowledging that the couple’s initial strategy may have fallen short of expectations. This change signals a shift in focus for Harry, who is seemingly reconnecting with the work he excelled at during his time as a member of the Royal Family, particularly through his ongoing involvement with charitable causes, veterans’ issues, and mental health advocacy.
Royal correspondent Jennie Bond echoed similar sentiments in her observations about Meghan Markle’s popularity. “Meghan is not popular. She doesn’t want to come back, and they are going their own ways, to some extent,” Bond said, referring to Meghan’s reluctance to return to the UK and her increasingly independent pursuits.
While Harry and Meghan have continued to make headlines, their individual projects now appear to be taking center stage. Meghan has been focused on building her own platform, with new ventures including creative partnerships and advocacy work. Meanwhile, Harry has been concentrating on his charitable endeavors and personal projects, including the Invictus Games and his involvement in mental health initiatives.
As their public and professional lives diverge, this work separation may be an indication of a broader shift in the couple’s approach to their public image and career strategies. While they remain a powerful duo, it seems that their individual interests and strengths will guide them forward in different directions.
Borkowski and Bond’s insights suggest that the Duke and Duchess are adapting to the challenges they’ve faced in their post-royal careers, with Harry returning to familiar roots and Meghan exploring new horizons. It’s clear that, while their brand may not have reached the pinnacle they once envisioned, both are finding their own way to navigate the public sphere.
