FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE

Meghan and Harry continue to build their brand amid rumours there’s trouble in paradise

- NICI DE WET

IT WAS vintage Meghan and Harry. There they were, all relaxed confidence in their garden in sunny California, heads close together, body language on point, smiles in place.

The occasion: a surprise phone call to the first recipients of the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund grant, which aims to empower young people to advocate for changes they want to see in the digital world.

So far, so Sussex – but sceptics have questioned the timing. Rumours have been swirling that the duke and duchess’ marriage is in trouble, with some reports going so far as to say they’re “taking time apart” to rebuild their relationship.

It could well be rubbish, of course. In fact, that’s exactly what sources close to the couple are saying. “It’s literally made up,” one insider insists. “Their marriage is just fine,” another says.

Omid Scobie, the journalist who’s become the unofficial mouthpiece for the couple, has also called foul.

And indeed, just a couple of days after the photo op in the sun-dappled garden, Harry and Meghan were snapped at a trendy restaurant in Montecito.

The occasion: Meghan’s 42nd birthday. The vibe: all relaxed confidence, smiles in place, body language on point.

Perhaps it’s a case of no smoke, no fire. Harry and Meghan have been married for five years, they have two lovely children, a gorgeous home and in many ways they’re living the life they left the royal family for.

Yet there’s no denying there’s been strain. The brand they’ve been trying to build is faltering and they’ve taken some knocks – so were the recent public displays a case of putting on a united front while the wheels wobble amid the stress?