Amid rumours of a growing rift between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, reports have also surfaced that the palace has prepared a “divorce plan” should they split. In the midst of this speculation, Prince Harry and Meghan have been hit by a string of scandals. Each new controversy has only highlighted the growing differences between them.
Perhaps the most damaging are rampant whispers about the duchess. Many claim she knows more about what happened between the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor than she is letting on.
The gossip first started in 2021. At the time, Virginia Giuffre’s lawyer David Boies said he wanted to subpoena Meghan as a potential witness.
He explained, “She’s somebody who obviously, at least for a period of time, was a close associate of Prince Andrew and hence is in a position to perhaps have seen what he did.”
While legal experts described the stunt as “standard litigation strategy”, less than two months later, Virginia’s civil case against Andrew was settled, without Meghan being called on. But the internet never forgets. Now, four years later, that comment has triggered a wave of doctored images and conspiracy theories. Many suggest a link between the duchess and Epstein, a claim her PR team calls “baseless and false”.
Accused of stealing a $3000 gown
Her spin doctors were kept even busier last week. Meghan, 44, was accused of stealing a $3000 green Galvan gown. She had worn the dress while filming her Netflix festive special With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration.
She’d previously worn the frock for a 2022 photoshoot for Variety magazine. An insider claimed she “took the dress from the shoot without asking”.
Again, Meghan’s reps called the story “categorically false”, but they couldn’t deny a subsequent Harper’s Bazaar story that revealed the former Suits actress likes to be “announced as the Duchess
of Sussex” when she enters a room – even if there’s only one other person in there.
The story saw Meghan ridiculed in the press. Many speculated that her love of the limelight was driving a nasty wedge between her and Harry. The couple had already been on rocky ground even before this string of scandals.
Different dreams, growing distance
“As time has gone on, it has become increasingly apparent that Harry and Meghan seemingly want different things,” says veteran royal reporter Emily Andrews.
“Her appearance at Paris Fashion Week was significant, perhaps suggesting another pivot to the fashion and beauty world, yet it’s also clear that world doesn’t feature her husband Harry. “He’s made no secret of the fact he prefers a quieter life. They may still be presenting a unified front, but for how long?”
A friend of Meghan’s confirms, “They want different things and there are times when it is really not great – I mean, really not great at all.”
Split rumours arise
Rumours of a split hit fever pitch in September. Harry, 41, suggested he wanted to move his kids, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, back to England for their schooling.
A royal source revealed, “The palace is quietly drawing up contingency plans in the event of a split. The thought is that Harry might push for a return to the UK, but Meghan won’t want to come back from the US and that schism is potentially dangerous.”
Palace considers a ‘golden handshake’ deal
Courtiers were reportedly weighing up a “golden handshake”. In this scenario, Meghan would get a “generous” divorce settlement if she agreed to a “strict gagging order” to stop any future exposés.
The royal insider continued, “It’s like with Princess Diana all over again – only this time, the language will be tighter and the penalties for breaking it heavier. The agreement would also allow Meghan to keep using her Duchess of Sussex title. The palace considers this a strategic move, fearing that removing it could trigger a media war.
“Whatever happens, the monarchy has to be ready. Meghan must not be met with hostility – this is about containment. The narrative must favour Harry’s return and Meghan’s choices. “This is low-key planning, but it is happening. The palace sees a worst-case scenario and wants to be prepared. They believe Meghan could walk away but also that Harry can come back. They want to plan for both eventualities.”
