A big house, Californian sunshine, oodles of dosh and, of course, priceless privacy – life in Montecito must be pretty awesome for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. But does one detect a tiny hint of trouble in paradise? For much of 2021 and 2022 it seems that one of the pair could not appear anywhere without the other popping up moments later. Whether it was the joint Oprah interview, Harry’s cameo role in Meghan’s podcast or his sudden appearance from ‘somewhere in the house’ in her interview with the Cut, the two have been keen to encourage the impression that they are inseparable.

Yet in recent weeks there seems to have been something of a ‘vibe shift’, as the kids like to say. Harry has been left alone on his book tour, facing the cameras without the trusty hand of his wife to squeeze. Fair enough, you might think, it is his life story to tell. It is, however, a striking contrast with the couple’s ‘normal’ public behaviour – and has prompted some suggestions about a difference in opinion between the pair. According to the Telegraph:

Sources suggest that media-savvy Meghan was slightly more circumspect about the concept of a memoir and may have raised gentle concerns about whether it was the right move. No stranger to taking on her enemies, she is understood to have been more wary than the Duke about this particular project.

Let’s hope that this isn’t the start of a briefing war between the pair. Still, Mr S can’t help but observe recent polling trends which show that Harry, once such a boon to Meghan’s public standings, has now become something of a drag. Their ratings here in Britain are clearly of little concern but even those in the States now seem to be turning against the couple.

The number of Americans who believe the couple should be stripped of their titles has soared in recent weeks, according to one study by Redfield and Wilton. In December only 27 per cent wanted this to happen, compared to 43 per cent who backed them keeping their perks. But less than six weeks on, 45 per cent now want them to lose their titles while only 26 per cent disagree.

Over that same period, Meghan’s popularity has dropped by 35 points down to minus 12 but Harry’s have tumbled even more, by plummeting 46 points to minus 8. Meghan of course has long been suspected of having political ambitions: having such an unpopular partner could be a problem when running for office – especially one from such an, er, problematic family.

Finding freedom is one thing. Finding favour is quite another…