Meghan Markle 'feeling the strain' after more time apart from Prince Harry

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have not been seen together in public for over a month as 40-year-old Harry has travelled across three continents without his wife by his side

After Meghan Markle made a triumphant return to the red carpet and Prince Harry successfully charmed the crowds at various solo events around the world, a source claims the Duchess is feeling the pressure of their new dynamic. The couple hasn't been seen together in public for over a month as 40-year-old Harry has travelled across three continents without his wife of six years - or their two children - by his side.

With rumours of them living almost separate lives continuing to swirl, the source told OK! that the pressure is starting to affect Meghan, 43. "She has really felt the strain in recent weeks, and with all the speculation surrounding her and Harry and their marriage," they claimed. "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."

They continued, "But it does upset her that, while Harry was getting praised for all of his appearances, she is getting criticised for what she says, what she wears etc and it brings back hurtful memories of when she was a royal."

Meghan's glamorous walk onto the red carpet at an Los Angeles children's hospital gala last month, dressed in a fiery red low-cut gown with her tousled hair hanging loose, appeared to send a very clear message - the Hollywood star was back, reports OK!.

Meghan recently made a chic appearance in white trousers and a blue shirt to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child at Girl Inc. in Greater Santa Barbara, where they launched a new programme, Social Media U, funded by Meghan and Harry's Archewell Foundation.

The programme aims to help teenage girls build a positive relationship with technology and address issues like body image and mental health. However, Meghan found herself at the heart of controversy again when one of the charity's founders told an American magazine that she "talked about being one of the most bullied people in the world".

This statement reignited discussions about bullying, leading to a source telling the New York Post that Meghan never claimed to be the most bullied person, but discussed her online bullying experiences. Our source said the latest events have left her feeling victimised once more.

"She felt very bullied and scrutinised back when she was a working royal, and she feels the bullying is returning," they revealed. "She wants people to remember how tough she has had it and is trying to get the public back onside. And it's hard to hear the constant speculation about her marriage and her and Harry living separate lives, because as much as she tries to ignore it, sometimes it gets the better of her."

Prince Harry and Meghan have reportedly made a significant move that edges them closer to the UK, snapping up a luxury property in Melides, Portugal. The coastal town is also a chosen spot for Princess Eugenie and Hollywood icon George Clooney.

According to a source, the couple's new home, which allegedly set them back over £6m, has stirred local discontent due to the privatisation of previously public beaches. The purchase is seen as a potential compromise for the Duke and Duchess and might serve as an olive branch to King Charles.

"It gives them an escape outside of America and means they can safely holiday in Europe in the sunshine," the insider revealed. "When they're there, Harry can easily go to England if he feels the need to, and it also gives friends and some members of the family the opportunity to visit them as it's only a short flight. The invitation for Charles to come and see his grandchildren is there and now it will be up to them whether they take it up."

Despite their strained relationship with the UK media, which Harry once branded as the "devil", the American press had been more favourable until a recent shift. A piece in The Hollywood Reporter highlighted a series of high-profile departures from the Sussexes's team, including their chief of staff and global press secretary.

The article stirred controversy with claims that Meghan had "noisy tantrums" and fired off irate emails at 5am, painting her as someone staff were "terrified" of and dubbing her "Duchess Difficult". Defending the piece amidst backlash from Meghan's supporters, the magazine's editor stated that the reporter talked to roughly a dozen individuals who "worked very closely with the couple in various capacities".

Despite allegations of bullying and being a difficult manager, Meghan has always refuted such accusations. She once argued on her Archetypes podcast, "You're allowed to set a boundary. You're allowed to be clear. It does not make you demanding. It does not make you difficult. Makes you clear."

Sources suggest that now, as a mother to Prince Archie, aged five, and Princess Lilibet, three, Meghan is even more dedicated to shielding herself and Harry from negativity, potentially resulting in spending more time physically apart to concentrate on their separate projects.

"She is very strong, both by herself and with Harry, and she refuses to be beaten as she wants to make sure the children aren't affected by anything that goes on outside the home. The happiness of Archie and Lili will always be her number one priority and she will always put them first, which is why she doesn't always go away with Harry as she hates leaving them for long periods of time."