Friends of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are worried the couple are “drifting apart” as the Duke of Sussex was seen “moping” alone at a local café.

The prince was spotted grinning in recent photos taken on a recent trip to Africa, but sources close to the pair say the series of solo trips are a worrying sign. Meghan had previously accompanied Harry on trips to the continent in May of this year, but the most recent trip for Harry has sparked fears the couple is on the verge of drifting apart.

A confidante for the Sussexes’ downplayed rumours of problems between the pair, revealing: “It is normal for couples to not do everything together.” But the work the pair carries out with their charity, Archewell, is shedding key members of staff with communications chief Ashley Hansen confirming her departure from the brand.

Hansen is leaving the Sussex charity to set up her own firm, but will continue in an “advisor” role for the couple and continues to manage the PR for Meghan’s new California business venture. The business, believed to be named American Riviera Orchard, has delivered on 50 jars of jam so far, and is seemingly running side-by-side with Harry’s activities, rather than jointly.

Harry is believed to be splitting his time between New York, London and Lesotho and rarely appears at their Montecito residence, The Sun reported. His solo appearances prompted an attendee of the WellChild Awards to comment: “He looked like the old Harry we knew and loved.

“He always came alive at events like this, but lately he has seemed quite glum. He was on good form, full of energy and seemed quite happy to be on his own.” 

Meghan has since been said to have pulled out of a charity event hosted by actor Kevin Costner, and has not been seen in public since September 14. Sources say she had also not been staying at the Montecito home while it was also claimed Harry had been “moping around” at a local café.

Claims made last year suggested Meghan and Harry had been spending extended spells apart from one another, with the Duke suggested to have used hotel rooms. These claims were denied by the couple. 

Allegations of another property in Montecito” leased” by one half of the couple were also discarded by California sources. It is said that the couple has their disagreements, but sources consider their relationship as strong as it has ever been.

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