Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have not been seen together in public for over a month and a source tells OK! that the Duchess of Sussex is starting to feel the strain

Meghan Markle’s return to the red carpet has been triumphant, while Prince Harry has been charming crowds at solo events worldwide.

However, a source tells OK! that the Duchess of Sussex is feeling the pressure of their new dynamic.

The couple hasn’t been seen together in public for over a month as 40-year-old Harry has travelled across three continents without his wife of six years – or their two children – by his side. While rumours of them living almost separate lives will be something they are no doubt used to by now, a source says the recent weeks’ pressure is starting to affect Meghan, 43.

“She has really felt the strain in recent weeks, and with all the speculation surrounding her and Harry and their marriage,” they claimed. “They haven’t done themselves any favours by doing so many separate events but this is what they have decided to do as it works best for them at the moment as a couple and they both feel they can shine at events that are close to their hearts. But it does upset her that, while Harry was getting praised for all of his appearances, she is getting criticised for what she says, what she wears etc and it brings back hurtful memories of when she was a royal.”

Meghan at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala on October 5 ( 
Image:
Getty Images for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles)

The royal expert said a move to Portugal ‘suggests that they intend to spend more time on this side of the Atlantic’ ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Meghan’s glamorous walk onto the red carpet at an Los Angeles children’s hospital gala last month, dressed in a fiery red low-cut gown with her tousled hair hanging loose, appeared to send a very clear message – the Hollywood star was back.

A few days later, she made another public appearance, looking incredibly elegant in smart white trousers and a blue buttoned shirt. She was celebrating International Day of the Girl Child at the Girl Inc. in Greater Santa Barbara. The non-profit was launching a new programme – Social Media U – aimed at encouraging teenage girls to foster healthy relationships with technology and address issues such as body image and mental health.

This initiative was supported by funding from Meghan and Harry’s Archewell Foundation. However, when one of the charity’s founders told an American magazine that Meghan had “talked about being one of the most bullied people in the world”, it thrust the Duchess back into the spotlight of a bullying saga.

Meghan at the Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara on October 2 ( 
Image:
The Archewell Foundation via Getty Images)
After the article was published, a source claimed to the New York Post that Meghan “never claimed” she was the most bullied person in the world, but simply “talked about her experience with online bullying”. A source close to the former Suits actress said the latest incident has left her feeling like she can’t do anything right.

“She felt very bullied and scrutinised back when she was a working royal, and she feels the bullying is returning,” they revealed. “She wants people to remember how tough she has had it and is trying to get the public back onside. And it’s hard to hear the constant speculation about her marriage and her and Harry living separate lives, because as much as she tries to ignore it, sometimes it gets the better of her.”

Despite showing little indication of a permanent return to UK shores, Harry and Meghan have taken a significant step by snapping up a luxe £6m property in Melides, Portugal. Sharing the neighbourhood with the likes of Princess Eugenie and Hollywood icon George Clooney, the purchase has not been without controversy, sparking local discontent over A-listers encroaching on their once public beach.

Meghan is feeling the strain, a source claims ( 
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Nonetheless, this new abode could prove to be a valuable compromise for the Duke and Duchess, offering them an idyllic retreat under the European sun. An insider divulged: “It gives them an escape outside of America and means they can safely holiday in Europe in the sunshine,” adding “When they’re there, Harry can easily go to England if he feels the need to, and it also gives friends and some members of the family the opportunity to visit them as it’s only a short flight. The invitation for Charles to come and see his grandchildren is there and now it will be up to them whether they take it up.”
Meanwhile, despite Harry’s infamous branding of the UK media as the “devil”, the American press had seemed more forgiving until a bombshell report from The Hollywood Reporter emerged, exposing a series of high-profile exits from the Sussexes’ inner circle, including their chief of staff and global press secretary.

The article sparked controversy with its claims that Meghan had “noisy tantrums” and sent angry emails at 5am, as well as allegations from sources that everyone was “terrified” of her and referred to her as “Duchess Difficult”. The magazine’s editor defended the article, stating that the reporter had spoken to around a dozen people who had “worked very closely with the couple in various capacities”.

There is constant speculation about Harry and Meghan’s marriage ( 
Image:
Getty)
However, Meghan has consistently denied any claims of bullying or being a difficult boss. In an episode of her Archetypes podcast, she emphasised the importance of setting boundaries, saying “You’re allowed to set a boundary. You’re allowed to be clear. It does not make you demanding. It does not make you difficult. Makes you clear.”

According to a source, Meghan is now more determined than ever to limit the negativity directed at her and Harry, particularly for the sake of their children, Archie and Lilibet.

The source described Meghan, saying: “She is very strong, both by herself and with Harry, and she refuses to be beaten as she wants to make sure the children aren’t affected by anything that goes on outside the home. The happiness of Archie and Lili will always be her number one priority and she will always put them first, which is why she doesn’t always go away with Harry as she hates leaving them for long periods of time.”

and committed to prioritising her children’s happiness above all else, often choosing not to accompany Harry on trips to avoid leaving them for extended periods.