The duchess did not accompany Prince Harry last month when he set off on a solo tour just days after his big 40th birthday.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been dominating headlines over the last few weeks as the couple have stepped out on various engagements alone.

With Prince Harry jetting off for a solo tour days after his 40th birthday last month, leaving Meghan at home in Montecito without him, rumours have been rife about the couple’s future.

This was further heightened when Meghan began stepping out for solo engagements alone too, leaving many questioning where the pair stand with each other on a professional and personal level.

While the prince spoke about the duchess and his children fondly during various engagements in New York, the UK and Africa, this did not quell the rumours that something was amiss with the pair, who relocated to California in 2020 after quitting life as senior royals.

However, a friend of the couple has now explained exactly why Meghan did not accompany Harry on any of his solo engagements and instead stayed at their mansion with their two children Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.

The friend told People magazine: “[It’s] as much a reflection on parenting priorities, in that one of them stays behind with the children.”

This comes after a royal expert also said that the couple’s decision to not attend the events together was most likely a result of the children, which could also explain why Harry hadn’t returned home to Meghan for weeks and instead went from engagement to engagement.

The Mirror reported that royal commentator Jennie Bond said: “Married couples don’t have to do everything together.

“The children are young and it’s much better for them to have one parent at home, so it all makes perfect sense. It’s just Harry doing what Harry does best.”

Prince Harry visited three countries on his solo royal tour. 

It is believed that the duke is now back at home with Meghan and his children after almost three weeks away.

Meghan was last seen at a red carpet event for a children’s hospital gala on October 5, with the duke nowhere to be seen.

At the time, it was said that he had extended his stay in Africa before jetting back to the States.