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Meghan Holds the ‘Final Say’ at Home as Friends Warn Harry Is ‘Nearing His Limit’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for the annual WellChild Awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Victoria Jones - WPA Pool)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for the annual WellChild Awards at the Royal Lancaster Hotel. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Victoria Jones - WPA Pool)
Jan. 13 2026, Published 09:23 AM. ET
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may appear like two peas in a pod, sharing sharp business instincts, but insiders suggest the balance of power tilts firmly in one direction. When it comes to finances, staffing, and brand decisions, the Duchess of Sussex reportedly calls the shots. A source claims Markle has 'taken control of everything' and holds the final say in their relationship. The dynamic is said to be testing Harry's patience, with friends warning he is 'nearing his limits' as her hands-on approach begins to grate.

Prince Harry (R) and Meghan Markle (L) attend a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games 2017 at Nathan Philips Square on September 25, 2017 in Toronto, Canada (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation )
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games 2017. (Image Source: Getty Images| Chris Jackson for the Invictus Games Foundation )

Speaking to Star magazine, the insider revealed that the Sussexes are undergoing a bit of a rebrand. They said, "Every major decision now runs through Meghan first," adding that she is preceding meetings, cross-checking strategy, and even drafting statements. "It's a very hands-on approach and no doubt exhausting, but she says that it's the only way things can get done to her standards." Concerning Harry's alleged dependence on her, they added, "It's understood that he [Harry] checks with her [Markle] on everything, whether that's going on a boys' ski trip or getting a haircut. She gets the final say."

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks onstage during the Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen panel during the 2024 SXSW Conference and Festival at Austin Convention Center on March 08, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images)
Meghan Markle speaks onstage during the 2024 SXSW Conference and Festival at the Austin Convention Center. (Image Source: Getty Images| Astrida Valigorsky)

However, Markle's alleged control is said to have tested the Duke's patience. The insider stressed, "Harry generally does go along with whatever Meghan wants, but that doesn't mean he likes it or that it's sustainable." They added, "Meghan truly thinks she's doing what's best, but her friends are warning her that Harry's showing signs he's nearing his limit." Despite the reported tensions, the couple continues to work closely together, producing several joint Netflix projects, alongside Markle's independent cooking series, With Love, Meghan. They also jointly run the Archewell Philanthropies.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visit Abel Tasman National Park. (Image Source: Getty Images| Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visit Abel Tasman National Park. (Image Source: Getty Images| Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Recently, royal expert  Marlene Koenig argued that Harry and Markle achieved the life they've always wanted because of a strategic plan. Speaking to the Daily Express, she explained that because they live in Montecito within a gated community, they have everything they want. She said, "I think we overuse the word 'private life'. Meghan and Harry have achieved a private life because they control their narrative. Yes, they are seen publicly at events, but when they leave, they return to the gated community in Montecito where they live." Indeed, Markle's approach to owning her narrative has primarily involved challenging negative press, setting boundaries, and focusing on authenticity and empowerment. 

Markle and Harry have always been outspoken about their need for privacy, regardless of their royal status, which they never experienced during their time in the royal fold. During their interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Duchess shared that all she and her husband were seeking was a "basic right to privacy," similar to that granted to anyone else. Meanwhile, the Duke has expressed his happiness raising his children quietly in Montecito, free from the press, as opposed to their situation in the UK.

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