Buckingham Palace is quietly preparing a contingency plan in case Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decide to end their marriage, according to a report in the US publication OK! Magazine.
The magazine cited an unnamed source claiming that royal officials are drawing up an emergency strategy for a potential split, though the palace has made no official announcement.
Prince Harry and Meghan married in May 2018. The couple stepped down from their roles as senior working royals in 2020 and relocated to the United States.
Duchess of Sussex title
Under the reported contingency agreement, Meghan could be allowed to continue using her Duchess of Sussex title even after a divorce.
The source told the magazine, in an article by Samantha Ibrahim, that the palace might view this concession as a way to prevent further public disputes and limit the chances of another intense media conflict with Meghan.
Make or break situation
The claims follow a separate OK! Magazine report published a day earlier, which suggested the couple might be considering a secret divorce plan amid growing rumours of relationship problems.
The reported friction is linked to the couple having different priorities. The magazine's source claimed Prince Harry wants to spend more time in Britain and repair relationships with his family, particularly his father, King Charles.
Meghan reportedly has no desire to leave her life in the US, where she is raising their children and has established her professional career.
Another source told the magazine the couple are trying to reach a compromise where Prince Harry could travel to Britain whenever he wishes, with Meghan joining him on only some of the visits. This source described their current situation as make or break.
King Charles offers support
Despite the reports of a crisis, the magazine's source claimed King Charles does not want to see further distance grow between Prince Harry and Meghan.
The monarch reportedly wants to support his son and would be available to offer advice if he were facing difficulties in his marriage.
The reports of a split were also contradicted by celebrity matchmaker and psychic Deborah Graham, who told the magazine that the couple's marriage remains very strong. She described their relationship as strong as an ox.
