Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to make high-profile public appearances next week, but in a surprising move, they will be attending separate events on opposite coasts.

On December 4, Meghan is expected to attend a glamorous Hollywood party honoring her celebrity friend Tyler Perry, while Harry will be in New York for The New York Times DealBook Conference. This marks the latest in a series of solo appearances for the couple, a notable departure from their previous approach, where they often appeared together, with Meghan once comparing themselves to “salt and pepper” that always “move together”.

Since their joint tour of Colombia in the summer, the Sussexes have increased their professional distance, with sources close to the couple attributing this to their new “twin-track approach”, where Harry focuses on his charitable work and Meghan on her entrepreneurial ventures, such as her American Riviera Orchard brand. However, according to PR and crisis expert Ed Coram-James, there may be a more strategic reason behind their separate appearances, potentially aimed at salvaging their brand, and he has a stern warning for the couple.

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The CEO of marketing agency Go Up shared with the Mirror: “Meghan and Harry’s brand has been tainted beyond repair. The relentless media backlash, fuelled by their misguided PR moves, has left them in a position where joint branding is no longer viable. Harry’s attempts to reclaim his reputation after stepping back from royal duties are overshadowed by his relationship with Meghan, whose own controversies – be it with her family or her public opinions – have made them a lightning rod for criticism.”

They continued: “If Meghan and Harry want to make 2025 their year, they should focus on what they do best and take a break from their joint projects. Meghan should lean into her strengths – her acting career, her philanthropic work, and her brand as a trailblazer for women’s rights.

She could easily tap into Hollywood again, using her acting experience, without the baggage of being a Duchess. Acting offers her the opportunity to shape her image, far from the royal narrative that has been forced upon her. A carefully constructed acting comeback could help her rebuild a fanbase and create a new, more positive legacy.”

Lastly, they explained: “Harry, on the other hand, should double down on his work with veterans and conservation. He’s been genuinely committed to these causes, like his beloved Invictus Games, long before all the Royal drama, and they continue to resonate with people. His role as a war veteran and conservation advocate provides authenticity, which is something the public values.”

Meghan is preparing to launch her new brand American Riviera Orchard next year, while Harry’s Invictus Games are scheduled for February in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada. Ed has a straightforward approach for the couple’s success and their professional aspirations.

He remarked: “Beyond business, Meghan is already making strides in the philanthropic space. We saw her success with the Archewell Foundation and her ongoing work around gender equality, mental health, and racial justice. She needs to double down on these areas but with less spectacle. More grassroots work, fewer headlines. If she avoids overexposing herself – a la Netflix or Spotify deals – and focuses on deeply meaningful work, Meghan could carve out a legacy that stands the test of time.”

Additionally, he said: “As for Harry, his best path forward might be to establish more independence from Meghan in terms of his public and professional life. He’s the only one who can salvage his career and legacy. By staying true to his work with veterans, conservation, and mental health, Harry could leave the toxic circus behind.

Let’s face it – his association with Meghan will always be seen as a liability in the eyes of many. He needs to go solo and focus on causes that matter to him, leaving the stories about his marriage and Royal Family behind.”