Prince Harry has finally addressed the swirling divorce rumors, opening up about his personal life during a candid discussion with the media.
The 40-year-old prince spoke to reporters at the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit, where Andrew Ross Sorkin, the NYT columnist and DealBook founder, questioned him about the ongoing speculation regarding his relationship with his wife, Meghan Markle. This has been a hot topic recently.
The couple, married for six years and parents to two children, have sparked rumors due to their increasing public absence together. They have been attending several events separately since returning from Colombia in August, leaving fans curious about what might be happening behind the scenes.
Referring to Markle’s recent plans to attend a gala in Beverly Hills, Sorkin told Harry, “I Google News-ed you, and there were people fascinated by everything you’re doing, all the time. They’re fascinated by Meghan is in California right now, and you’re here.”
He responded, saying: “And there’s articles left and right about, you know, ‘Why are you making, doing independent events? Why aren’t you doing them together?’”
However, Harry gave a direct – and reasonable – explanation.
“Because you invited me, you should have known!” he said, laughing.
The concern began when Markle was spotted alone in Los Angeles last October, attending the launch of a hair care brand by her colorist friend, Kadi Lee.
A few weeks later, Harry was seen at a Canadian Football event in Vancouver promoting the upcoming Invictus Games in January, noticeably without his wife. Onlookers at the event couldn’t help but wonder why Meghan wasn’t there, particularly given her strong connections to Canada from her time on the hit show Suits. At that moment, Harry clarified that she had stayed in California, which wasn’t exactly surprising considering they have their children, Archie and Lillibet, at home.
Harry further explained: “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?”
Shifting to a more serious tone, he discussed the speculation he has dealt with since childhood, having grown up in the spotlight.
“I’ve had a lived experience since I was a kid, I’ve seen stories written about myself that aren’t exactly based on reality,” Harry shared.
He also mentioned observing stories about his family members, friends, strangers, and various others.
“And I think when you grow up within that environment, you do find yourself questioning the validity of the information but also what other people are thinking of that as well, and how dangerous it can be over the course of time.”
Harry went on to express sympathy for the trolls, saying, “The people I feel most sorry about are the trolls. Their hopes are just built and built, and it’s like, ‘Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,’ and then it doesn’t happen. So I feel sorry for them. Genuinely, I do.”