Prince Harry is meeting dignitaries in New York City without Meghan Markle. The Prince dined with Belgium’s Queen Mathilde, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and Hollywood stars, including Forest Whitaker, at an event hosted by the World Health Organization. He also appeared at a charity event organized by Kevin Costner in recognition of first responders and their heroism. Prince Harry presented an award to a fellow helicopter pilot at the event, from which the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, was also notably absent.
“We were all hoping Meghan would attend like she did last year, but the word is that she is sick and could not make it,” an event insider told reporters.
The Duke of Success is scheduled to meet with more high-profile figures, and will present the Diana Award for Young Leadership—a prize named after his late mother, Princess Diana. He will also attend the Clinton Global Initiative’s annual meeting.
Harry’s trip to the Big Apple coincides with a visit by his brother, Prince William, but the two siblings will not meet. The Prince alienated most of his family when he married Markle and began criticizing the Monarchy in public, including writing a tell-all book revealing family secrets.
Once among the UK’s most popular Royals, observers say Prince Harry now appears more somber amid rumors that is marriage is on the rocks. For instance, the Prince did not spend his 40th birthday recently with his wife, leaving her alone in California while he jetted off with friends.
Speculation about the couple’s marriage accelerated earlier this year when long-term Royal biographer Tom Quinn revealed that Markle is unhappy and feels that her life is not going in the direction she had hoped. “She thrives on media attention and is dismayed by surveys suggesting waning public interest in her and Harry,” he said. Quinn added that Markle cannot understand why she is subject to criticism.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry longs for life in the UK and reconnection with his family and old Army pals. “He never sees them because they won’t visit him in the States, as they find Meghan difficult,” Quinn said.
