The short answer is yes. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are still very much married. Despite the whirlwind of tabloid covers suggesting a "2026 divorce" is imminent, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain a legal unit, living in their Montecito, California, home with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
But you've probably noticed the vibe has changed.
It’s not 2018 anymore. The "fairytale" era has shifted into what royal experts are calling a season of "divided priorities." If you’re seeing rumors of a split, it’s usually because the couple is spending more time apart professionally than they used to. Harry’s been spotted on solo trips—like a recent skiing excursion with friends shortly before Christmas—while Meghan has been laser-focused on her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
The Reality of the "Divorce" Rumors
Let’s be honest: rumors about this marriage have been a cottage industry since the day they said "I do."
In January 2026, the noise reached a fever pitch. Why? Because the professional "overlap" that defined their first few years in America is fading. Early on, it was always Harry and Meghan doing a Netflix docuseries, Harry and Meghan doing a sit-down with Oprah, or Harry and Meghan launching Archewell.
Now, they are brands of one.
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- Harry is increasingly fixated on his legacy in the UK and his Invictus Games.
- Meghan is building a commercial empire centered on cooking, home goods, and American lifestyle.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams recently noted that they appear to have "deeply divided priorities" right now. Harry wants to rebuild a bridge to his father, King Charles III, especially following the King’s health struggles. Meghan, on the other hand, hasn’t stepped foot on British soil since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022.
That geographic tension is real. It’s a massive strain on any marriage when one partner wants to go "home" and the other views that same place as a source of deep anxiety.
Public Appearances in 2026
If they were truly separated, would they still be doing joint engagements? Probably not.
On January 8, 2026, the couple made their first joint appearance of the year. It wasn't a red carpet. It was a video call with Gayle King to discuss the impact of social media and "phone-based childhoods." They looked comfortable. Their dog, Pula, even crashed the call, prompted a laugh from Harry about the dog "chewing a stick" in the background.
Meghan was wearing her signature $18,700 Cartier necklace—a piece she’s worn for years—signaling a sense of continuity. They aren't hiding. They just aren't clinging to each other in every single paparazzi shot anymore.
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Why the UK Return is the "Ultimate Test"
The biggest hurdle for the couple in 2026 isn't a lack of love. It’s security.
Harry has been in a long-standing legal battle with the UK Home Office over police protection. He’s basically said he won't bring Meghan or the kids to the UK unless he has guaranteed state-funded security. Reports suggest a review is wrapping up, and Harry might actually win.
If he wins, the "security excuse" vanishes.
Then comes the hard part. If Harry goes to Birmingham for the 2027 Invictus Games countdown this summer, will Meghan go with him? If she stays in California while he’s in the UK, the "split" rumors will explode. If she goes, she faces a public that—to put it mildly—has a complicated relationship with her.
The State of the Sussex Empire
It hasn't been all sunshine in Montecito. The couple recently lost high-profile staff, including their chief U.S. publicist and the executive director of Archewell. When people quit, the public assumes the "ship is sinking."
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But let’s look at the facts:
- They are still producing content for Netflix.
- They are still raising two kids in a $14 million mansion.
- They still release joint statements on global issues.
Psychic predictions and "insider" leaks aside, there has been no legal filing for separation. No "moving trucks" have been spotted at the Montecito estate.
Actionable Insights for Royal Watchers
If you're trying to figure out the truth behind the headlines, look for these markers over the next six months:
- The Security Ruling: If Harry wins his security bid and Meghan still doesn't visit the UK, it suggests the rift with the Royal Family is more about personal choice than safety.
- The "As Ever" Launch: Watch how Harry supports Meghan’s brand. Does he appear in the promotional material, or is he totally absent?
- The Invictus Games Birmingham Update: This is the big one. Their joint presence in the UK this summer would effectively silence the divorce rumors for at least another year.
Ultimately, is Prince Harry still married? Yes. But the marriage has entered a "long-distance" phase—not in terms of where they sleep, but where they are putting their energy. Harry is looking back at his roots; Meghan is looking forward at her business. Whether those two paths can stay parallel is the real story to watch in 2026.