Prince Harry's reaction was telling when Meghan Markle was "caught having a jolly" after their return to the UK, as he has reportedly been working non-stop. The Duke has been flitting between charity red carpet events and delivering speeches in both the UK and US, while Meghan has been "taking a backseat".
The Duchess has reportedly been indulging in reformer pilates, entertaining friends from California, and was spotted enjoying a pint at the pub with Ellen DeGeneres. However, with their finances allegedly on the decline, a royal insider told New Idea: "Harry wants Meghan to work."
Insider claims Harry wants Meghan to work
"In fact, while he was at that WellChild event and being offered radio gigs for Meghan, she was having a jolly in a pub with Ellen and Portia [De Rossi]. It's become a hot topic between them that's yet to be resolved," the insider added.
The 45-year-old mother of two is "living the dream" following the couple's return to the UK, as Harry takes the helm. "A couple of As Ever business phone calls in the morning, then reformer pilates or yoga with friends, all in time for the school bell to pick up Archie and Lilibet," the source described of the Duchess's day.
Pressure mounts over Montecito mansion
Friends of the pair say that the pressure is mounting on Harry to maintain their lavish Montecito mansion. A source said: "Harry's doing everything he can to keep them afloat, but they're pushing the ledger by keeping Montecito. It costs an estimated $1 million just to upkeep the unused Californian property."
"Meghan wants to keep it in case things go wrong in the UK, but it's a big ask, especially if she's backing off from her plans to revive her acting career in the UK," the source added.
Acting rumours quashed
Rumours circulated that Meghan was "in talks" with Guy Ritchie's team following the success of his series The Gentlemen, but this was swiftly quashed by lead actor Theo James weeks later. A mate of Meghan's revealed: "It was humiliating and it's put her off the prospect of acting, especially if one of Britain's leading directors doesn't want to work with her."
Meghan's previous agent Ari Emanuel confirmed last week that his agency had dropped the duchess. When questioned about her career he stated: "Here's the great thing: I don't have to think about that any more."
