Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have continued to spark controversy in 2024 – with telling solo appearances appearing to become the norm for the couple.

The surprising decision to pursue different paths when it comes to their professional life comes just two years after Meghan memorably declared in an interview she and Harry were like salt and pepper as they always “move together”. The continuing solo outings sparked a slew of online rumours about the state of their relationship.

And even Harry was forced to address cruel claims during an appearance in New York at a prestigious event, where he laughed off any discontent in the marriage and added that he felt ‘genuinely’ sorry for the trolls, whose “hopes are just built and built, and it doesn’t happen”.

But with so much talk about their personal life and their decision to seemingly ‘split’ professionally, it has almost cast a shadow over the causes and projects they want to shine a light on. So how can the Sussexes get people talking about their actual work and boost their brand?

Well PR and crisis expert Ed Coram-James has advice for the pair – and if they were to take it, it would see them stepping back into their previous roles, with Meghan even dipping her toes back into a previous life. But if not, he has a stern warning.

The CEO of marketing agency Go Up told the Mirror: “Meghan and Harry’s brand has been tainted beyond repair. The relentless media backlash, fuelled by their misguided PR moves, has left them in a position where joint branding is no longer viable. Harry’s attempts to reclaim his reputation after stepping back from royal duties are overshadowed by his relationship with Meghan, whose own controversies — be it with her family or her public opinions — have made them a lightning rod for criticism.

Meghan at a glitzy red carpet event with filmmaker Tyler Perry ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Meghan at the launch party of a haircare line with pals Kadi Lee and Serge Normant ( 
Image:
WWD via Getty Images)
“If Meghan and Harry want to make 2025 their year, they should focus on what they do best and take a break from their joint projects. Meghan should lean into her strengths – her acting career, her philanthropic work, and her brand as a trailblazer for women’s rights.

“She could easily tap into Hollywood again, using her acting experience, without the baggage of being a Duchess. Acting offers her the opportunity to shape her image, far from the royal narrative that has been forced upon her. A carefully constructed acting comeback could help her rebuild a fanbase and create a new, more positive legacy.

“Harry, on the other hand, should double down on his work with veterans and conservation. He’s been genuinely committed to these causes, like his beloved Invictus Games, long before all the royal drama, and they continue to resonate with people. His role as a war veteran and conservation advocate provides authenticity, which is something the public values.”

Prince Harry promoting the Diana Award in New York in September ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Prince Harry in Vancouver last month ( 
Image:
Getty Images)Meghan is gearing up to launch her brand American Rivieria Orchard, while Harry’s Invictus Games will take place in February in Vancouver and Whistler in Canada. And Ed believes there is a simple way forward for the couple if he were to advise them – and how they can achieve their professional goals.

He explained: “Beyond business, Meghan is already making strides in the philanthropic space. We saw her success with the Archewell Foundation and her ongoing work around gender equality, mental health, and racial justice. She needs to double down on these areas but with less spectacle. More grassroots work, fewer headlines. If she avoids overexposing herself — a la Netflix or Spotify deals — and focuses on deeply meaningful work, Meghan could carve out a legacy that stands the test of time.

“As for Harry, his best path forward might be to establish more independence from Meghan in terms of his public and professional life. He’s the only one who can salvage his career and legacy. By staying true to his work with veterans, conservation, and mental health, Harry could leave the toxic circus behind.

“Let’s face it — his association with Meghan will always be seen as a liability in the eyes of many. He needs to go solo and focus on causes that matter to him, leaving the stories about his marriage and Royal Family behind.”