Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s professional separation executed due to ‘toxicity’

He said: “Since their marriage, Harry and Meghan have had a distinct brand. That brand is based on a duo. Call it ‘Harry and Meghan’, call it ‘the Sussexes’, call it whatever you like. The fact is that for years they have become synonymous with one another.

“And, since the famous Oprah interview, in which they took a simmering disagreement between themselves and the rest of the Royal Family and essentially declared all-out-war, that brand has been steadily becoming more toxic and thus commercially untenable to the point where not that many major brands are going to be rushing to write them a large cheque based on their brand value.

“When combined, the Sussexes brand is, from a PR perspective, toxic. But, when separate, they have a genuine chance of creating an entirely separate brand, with completely different labels.”

However, this separation professionally has led to speculation regarding their marriage.

The source said: “She has really felt the strain in recent weeks, and with all the speculation surrounding her and Harry and their marriage.

“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.”

Last month, a source told the Times that Harry wants to leave behind the celebrity nonsense and instead recover his reputation by becoming known as a serious philanthropic player.