Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have always had a pretty rocky relationship with the media, and 2024 seems to have brought even more hurdles for them. Even though they’re big-name celebrities and have been in the headlines for taking on tabloids, some experts think they might not stay in the limelight unless they step up their charity work — and fast.

Meghan and Harry used to count A-listers like David and Victoria Beckham and their Montecito neighbors Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom as part of their inner circle, but these friendships seem to be fading or in some state of transition for one reason or another. Even their connections with the few royal family members still in their corner, like Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, aren’t as strong as they used to be.

In August 2024, Meghan and Harry went on a tour in Colombia to support causes like mental health and fighting cyberbullying through their Archewell Foundation. While they had good intentions, the British tabloids weren’t exactly thrilled about how they managed media access, which shows that their issues with the press are far from over. It seems that Harry’s Invictus Games, which help inspire veterans, are one of the few things still going strong in terms of the couple’s public image.

Aside from charity, they’re also trying other things to stay relevant. They’re working on a Netflix documentary about polo, and Meghan started building up her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which has also reportedly had a hard time finding its niche.

Royal expert Hugo Vickers weighed in on their situation, especially Harry’s life after leaving the royal family. “It’s very difficult because he is part of an extraordinary institution and then suddenly he’s cut free from that. It’s a brave step into an unknown world.” He also pointed out that their fancy lifestyle is expensive, adding, “Unless they keep coming up with new initiatives and new goods, they’re going to disappear like so many other celebrities,” he told Express UK.

For Meghan and Harry, keeping their spot in the public eye means they’ll need to focus more on philanthropy and come up with fresh ideas.