Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could feel ‘strain on their relationship’ over important cause

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could feel ‘strain on their relationship’ over important cause

GETTY
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 29/10/2023

- 14:27

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very outspoken on the topic of climate change

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry might be experiencing "strain on their relationship" due to criticism directed at the couple regarding their stance on climate change, a psychiatrist has claimed.

The couple frequently show concern about climate change, but more recently, they were called "hypocrites" for taking a private plane from New Jersey to Canouan.


In the past, Prince Harry has worked to combat climate change, including starting the sustainable travel company Travalyst.

Over the years, he has made several claims about the cause, such as claiming carbon offsets were “the right thing to do and we need to make it cool” in 2019.

WATCH NOW: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are 'hypocrites'

Despite Meghan's involvement, Harry seems to have garnered more attention for his attempts to combat climate change.

This includes the Sussexes' 2030 net-zero commitment made by the Archewell Foundation.

According to the statement made in 2021, the couple's "long-standing commitment to the planet, both together and prior to their union" served as the catalyst for their intention to reduce its carbon emissions.

Relationship specialist Sally Baker discussed whether the criticism directed at the Sussexes over their "hypocrisy" has led to any strain on their relationship.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Harry and Meghan have received criticism over their use of private planes

PA

She said: "Passionate activism can certainly put a strain on a relationship, especially if Harry and Meghan have differing levels of commitment to such an important cause.

"Open communication would be key to navigating these differences so that they can present a united front to the media.

"Receiving public criticism for a partner's actions can be frustrating and difficult, but not necessarily relationship-ending if the couple talks through it.

"Supporting each other through challenging times can bring couples closer and is something Harry and Meghan are well versed in as they have already faced so much criticism to date.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship could be 'under strain'

Reuters

"Having separate interests outside a marriage is healthy.

"Problems may arise if one partner's activism consumes all their time and energy without leaving room for the primary relationship.

"This is unlikely to [be] an issue between Harry and Meghan as they have numerous other projects they work closely on and they share a common goal to succeed as a power couple."

The commentator also told The Mirror how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will always be viewed as a "unit" by the public.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are 'viewed primarily as a unit'

PA

Baker continued: "Being viewed primarily as a unit rather than as individuals can be frustrating for any married couple.

"But some level of joint identity is expected for public couples. Discussing expectations and boundaries around individual vs joint pursuits may help Harry and Meghan navigate these issues and allow them to achieve clarity with what's important to them.

"The strength of the relationship rests more on the quality of communication, empathy and commitment Harry and Meghan have for each other, rather than the specific causes they support.

"With mutual understanding and respect for each other's passions and activism, their relationship can be enriched and not compromised."

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