Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been spotted separately in New York City just days after a series of awkward moments at the Project Healthy Minds gala, where they were crowned “Humanitarians of the Year.”
The couple, who were in the Big Apple for the prestigious event, sparked buzz both on and off the red carpet.
The Duke of Sussex was seen dressed in a sharp suit, stepping into a car as he prepared to enjoy a quiet evening in Manhattan.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle, who was sporting dark shades, a scarf, and a long coat, was seen exiting a restaurant after dining with a friend, further fuelling speculation about their separate activities during the trip.
The couple, known for their high-profile public appearances, had spent the previous day together, enjoying lunch at New York’s Soho House with tennis legend Serena Williams.
Williams, who has been a close friend of Meghan’s since meeting at a Super Bowl party in 2010, spoke highly of the Duchess, calling her the “epitome of strength, confidence, and selflessness.”
Despite their seemingly harmonious lunch, Harry and Meghan were clearly more distanced during their red carpet appearance at the gala.
Royal watchers were quick to notice moments of tension as Harry appeared to hurry Meghan along after their photoshoot.
In one instance, it seemed as though the Duke had whispered, “Come on now,” urging his wife to move forward as she lingered on the carpet for another photo op.
At one point, Harry was briefly pulled away by an event staff member for a question, leaving Meghan standing alone.
Some critics noted that she appeared slightly frustrated but quickly recovered with a smile.
Others speculated that Meghan may have been intentionally stepping back to avoid overshadowing Harry, a move some considered to be part of her ongoing effort to maintain a lower profile in public appearances.
The Duke and Duchess were honored for their humanitarian work at the event.
Meghan was praised for her contributions as a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, while Harry’s efforts in mental health advocacy, particularly through his work with companies and his memoir Spare, were highlighted.
The couple’s appearances come amid rising tensions within the royal family.
Just hours after the gala, Meghan made a poignant remark during her acceptance speech, expressing concerns about the challenges of raising children in the digital age, echoing similar concerns raised by the Princess of Wales during her visit to a children’s charity earlier in the day.
The competing events, occurring thousands of miles apart, have sparked speculation about the ongoing rift within the family.
A source close to the Sussexes has hinted at a potential reconciliation between Harry and his family, predicting that Meghan could return to the UK before the year’s end, possibly with a symbolic gesture of “humble pie.”
Meanwhile, in London, King Charles and Prince William appeared united during a rare joint public engagement at the Natural History Museum, where they bonded over their shared passion for environmental issues.
In addition to the gala, Meghan’s solo trip to Paris for Fashion Week earlier this month sparked controversy. A video of her relaxing in a limousine, with her feet propped up near the spot where Princess Diana tragically passed away, drew criticism for being “insensitive.”