Prince Harry has directly addressed the persistent rumors surrounding his marriage to Meghan Markle, taking a moment to clarify why the couple has been seen at separate events recently. The Duke of Sussex, 40, discussed the speculation surrounding their relationship during a conversation at The New York Times’ 2024 DealBook Summit in New York City on December 4.

During the event, NYT journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin asked Harry about the media’s fascination with the couple’s independent appearances. Meghan Markle, 43, attended the Paley Honors gala in Beverly Hills, while Harry was in New York City for the summit.

Sorkin remarked, “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. And there’s articles left and right about, you know, ‘Why are you making, doing independent events? Why aren’t you doing them together?’”

In a candid response, Harry quipped, “Because you invited me, you should have known!”

Despite the lighthearted exchange, Sorkin pressed Harry on whether the constant media scrutiny bothered him. The Duke of Sussex responded with honesty, admitting that it was, in fact, far from ideal.

Harry revealed just how extensive the rumors about his family have become. “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?” he shared. “It’s hard to keep up with, but that’s why you just sort of ignore it.”

The Duke expressed empathy for those who fan the flames of such speculation, 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.”

Harry also reflected on his longstanding and often turbulent relationship with the media. “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. I’ve seen stories about members of my family, friends, strangers, all sorts of people,” he explained. “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.”

This conversation highlights Harry’s ongoing frustration with the press, as well as the constant rumors and invasive speculation about his personal life. Despite the media frenzy, the Duke of Sussex remains focused on his family and the work he’s committed to.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship has been in the public eye since their first meeting in 2016, reportedly through a blind date. Two years later, the couple married, and now they share two children together, Archie and Lilibet. Their bond has weathered the pressures of royal life, media intrusion, and relentless rumors, proving their strength as a family unit.

As Prince Harry has made clear, the couple’s separate appearances are not a sign of trouble but simply a reflection of their individual schedules and commitments. For now, they remain focused on their personal and professional lives, despite the constant attention from the press.

What do you think of the constant media rumors surrounding celebrities like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?