A friend of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has destroyed speculative reports the couple may be "drifting apart" following a recent wave of solo public appearances by the Duke of Sussex.

Harry was seen beaming from ear to ear in recent photos during his visit to Lesotho without his wife, Meghan.

The Duke of Sussex was in Africa on behalf of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded to support children impacted by HIV in Southern Africa.

While Meghan has joined him on similar visits in the past, her absence this time has sparked rumours about the couple’s relationship dynamics.

But close friends of the couple have quickly shut down these fears, insisting that spending time apart is normal for them.

In response to the speculation, The Sun has quoted a source close to Harry and Meghan saying: ”It is normal for couples to not do everything together.”

Harry and Meghan's charity, Archewell, is experiencing significant changes, with key staff members departing. Ashley Hansen, the couple’s communications chief, announced she will be stepping down to start her own firm.

Hansen will remain involved as an advisor to the Sussexes, managing PR for Meghan's new business venture, American Riviera Orchard.

The launch of this venture reflects a new dual-focus approach where Prince Harry and Meghan’s enterprises will now largely run in parallel rather than jointly.

In recent weeks, Prince Harry has been seen travelling without Meghan to New York, London, and Lesotho.

On Monday, during his visit to London, he attended the WellChild Awards bringing smiles to seriously ill children. Those in attendance observed that Harry seemed to have rediscovered his old self, appearing full of energy and comfortable in his solo role.

Harry's schedule also included spending his birthday on a hiking trip without Meghan, though sources indicated that she had organised the outing for him and his friends. Additionally, Meghan reportedly pulled out of a charity event hosted by Kevin Costner in Santa Barbara, citing illness.

Sources say that Harry and Meghan, like any couple, have their share of disagreements.

While Prince Harry prefers shielding their kids from public attention, Meghan appears to lean towards a more relaxed approach that involves attending local events.

The couple's confidante added: "It’s as much a reflection on parenting priorities, in that one of them stays behind with the children."