After months of speculation about the state of his marriage to Meghan Markle, Prince Harry has finally spoken out.
The Duke of Sussex took part in The New York Times 2024 DealBook Summit on Wednesday night, addressing the constant scrutiny on his six-year marriage and the impact of social media rumors on his relationship.
The Facts vs. The Fiction
Recently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been spotted at separate events, sparking rumors that their relationship was on the rocks. But Harry is quick to dismiss these claims, emphasizing that the constant scrutiny is “definitely not a good thing.” He joked about the countless times they’ve supposedly bought or moved house, or even divorced, claiming it’s hard to keep up with the rumors.
Feeling Sorry for the Trolls
In a surprising twist, Harry expressed sympathy for the online trolls who perpetuate these rumors. “I feel sorry for them,” he said. “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.” Harry even apologized to Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin for any future trolling he may experience as a result of their on-stage conversation.
The Dangers of Internet Rumors
As someone who has campaigned for safer online practices, Harry is all too aware of the dangers of internet rumors. “I’ve had a lived experience since I was a kid,” he explained. “I’ve seen stories written about myself that aren’t exactly based on reality. I’ve seen stories about members of my family, friends, strangers, all sorts of people.” He added that when you grow up in this environment, you start to question the validity of the information and how dangerous it can be over time.
Separate but Together
While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been focusing on their own professional projects, they’re still very much together. A source close to the couple rubbished claims that their solo career ambitions indicated trouble in paradise, explaining that they’re just like any normal couple, doing their own things while still raising their two young children.
A Look Back: The Royal Couple’s Journey
The couple first met in 2016 and went public with their relationship later that year. They were engaged in late 2017 and tied the knot in a royal wedding watched all over the world in May 2018. After quitting royal duties in 2020, they moved to Montecito, California, and launched a flurry of joint projects and initiatives. While they’re now focusing on their own professional paths, they’re still very much a team.