How Harry and Meghan are increasingly opting to attend events on their own in contrast to the early days of the Oprah interview and the pair's Netflix series

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle once seemed inseparable in the days of their Netflix series and intimate interview with Oprah Winfrey.

But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear to be spending more time apart than ever as they opt to attend an increasing number of events on their own.

Harry appeared at ten solo engagements in the space of 15 days without his wife as he embarked on a 'quasi-royal tour' across three countries, including New York, London and Lesotho.

A representative for the Sussex's did not comment when asked if the Duke has extended his tour, following reports he is lengthening his trip away by a few days.

Meanwhile, Meghan spent yesterday evening greeting young children and families in downtown Los Angeles as she attended the LA Children's Hospital gala without Harry.

The Duchess caught all eyes as she re-wore a red Carolina Herrera gown to the children's event. She previously wore the dress at a 2021 gala in New York City to celebrate the military - an event she attended with her husband.

Harry started out in New York to meet royals and celebrities in September before flying to Britain to attend the WellChild event in London, in support of children and young people with exceptional health needs.

The royal then began his tour of Lesotho and South Africa for his charity Sentebale, which helps children and adolescents struggling with HIV and AIDS.

Sweet footage from last night shows the Duchess greeting a family at the children's event before joking to a little boy about being up so late.

'It's past your bedtime for sure,' Megan said as she addressed the child, who was being held by his mother.

She added: 'How old are they? Oh so really close to our kids. Three and five.'

Meghan then prepared for a star-studded night featuring a performance by Demi Lovato and appearances by presenters Kaley Cuoco , Jamie Lee Curtis and Colin Hanks.

It comes after Harry and Meghan made a series of separate plans, including Harry's solo trips to London and Lesotho in recent weeks.

The Duke has appeared at ten solo engagements in the last 15 days without his wife as he embarked on a 'quasi-royal tour' across three countries, including New York, London and Lesotho.

It has also been reported that Meghan bailed out on a charity event she was set to attend with Prince Harry because she was 'sick.'

And when Prince Harry was goofing around with chat show host Jimmy Fallon in New York, film star George Clooney – a guest at his wedding in 2018 – was hosting a humanitarian awards ceremony in the Big Apple – and Harry was noticeably absent.

The last time Meghan was seen was the day before Harry's birthday and she was barely staying at their home in Montecito for periods of time earlier this year whilst he was said to be 'moping around' by himself at a local café.

Last year, it was claimed that the pair spent extended spells apart but this was denied by sources close to them. It was said that, like any couple, they have disagreements but remained strong.

But Meghan has reportedly grown ­frustrated with Harry's court cases in the UK over his security entitlement.

It has also been reported that the couple have been in disagreement over how to raise their children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

Harry did not want the children to be seen in ­public in case they were photographed but Meghan would apparently prefer to allow them to attend more local events, a source told The Sun.

Some now believe the new 'solo Harry' is the duke's own idea, as he tries to rebuild his image.

'I hear he wanted it this way,' a well-placed Californian source told DailyMail. 'I believe he wants space.'

Others said the duke and duchess are pursuing different goals.

'The duke and duchess have now hit their stride as individuals - not just as a couple,' an insider told People.

'The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her enterprise track.

'But there will be joint efforts around those cause-driven areas of work.'

Another insider in London offered a slightly different explanation, saying: 'This definitely feels like he is upping his game to cement his position as a serious player on the international stage.

'He's always been desperate to be taken seriously and people I know say his fall from grace will really have got to him.'

Still, the source added: 'It is a surprise that he went to Lesotho without Meghan. There may be a good reason she can't leave the kids, but she's never been to Lesotho and that surprises me – it is like a second home [to Harry].

'He first went there as a teenager and the royal family there is like his second family.'

They're so close that Harry and Prince Seeiso, the younger brother of Lesotho's king with whom he founded the charity Sentebale, call each other 'brother'.

'Sentebale is such a big part of his life you'd think he would want to share it,' the source said.