Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 'professional separation' explained as statement is issued

It's hardly a surprise anymore when rumours once again become rife about the status of the Sussexes' marriage.

However, following today's revelation that the pair are undergoing a 'professional separation' - with Meghan Markle also issuing an official statement on the matter - fans have been left wondering what this actually means for the Royal couple and their two children.

Meghan recently attended a celebratory event without Harry (Gregg DeGuire/WWD via Getty Images)

Recent weeks have seen the pair enjoy countless solo endeavours into the public, which sparked initial concern over trouble in paradise.

Despite worry from fans, however, Meghan this week released a statement about the work-mission and aims of her latest California project - which she is working on with Harry - seemingly shutting down rumours of a relationship rift.

After attending an event for the Southern California Welcome Project - which was forged in partnership with her and husband's Archewell Foundation - she shared: "This initiative, led by the partner organization Mina’s List, has spent the past year building community through storytelling and creating a safe space for women who have resettled in the U.S. from Afghanistan."

She continued: "The evening included a shared meal that encouraged open conversation centered on gratitude and resilience."

Previously, there was rarely a Royal or social appointment that Meghan and Harry - who tied the knot in 2018 after two years of dating - did not attend together.

Ever since they returned home from a joint charity trip to Colombia back in August, however, they seem to have gone their separate ways.

Harry appeared at an event in Canada earlier this month (Rich Lam/Getty Images)

Earlier this month, mother-of-two Meghan, 43, - who shares five-year-old son Archie and three-year-old daughter Lilibet with her Royal hubby - was spotted out on the town without him, attending a Los Angeles celebration of her colourist Kadi Lee's brand new line of hair care.

And days later, Canadian Football fans were surprised when Harry, 40, appeared at a high-stakes game to promote the upcoming Invictus Awards without Meghan.

Spectators couldn't help but wonder what would have prompted the former actress to remain at their Montecito home at the time - especially being that she'd previously lived in Canada whilst previously filming the hit law drama Suits.

Meghan's latest statement came just weeks after a Royal insider alleged that their pair's focus on separate, solo endeavours, however, is a conscious decision, and that they'd made it with their professional futures in mind.

"Harry and Meghan have consistently pursued solo ventures in connection with their individual interests," an insider told Hello! this week.

"But remain deeply committed to their joint efforts through Archewell [their joint charity, formed in 2020].

Meghan and Harry are said to be undergoing 'professional separation' (Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Images)

"Together they have exciting projects in the pipeline, all driving forward their shared mission for positive global impact."

Asked recently what this 'professional separation' actually means, PR expert Mark Borkowski described it as a wise move, as they each need to earn the respect of the often-critical public - many of whom weren't pleased when they packed in their Royal duties in 2020.

"They had to change the narrative," he previously told The Telegraph. "They need a venture that deflects from the failures.

"The charity aspect impresses upon everybody that he [Harry] does have value beyond the controversial stuff.

"It has the effect of separating them from the bad press and the failed content ideas. The punters still have time for Harry."