Meghan Markle reportedly appeared “overwhelmed” during a Montecito bookstore visit, fueling speculation about strain in her seven-year marriage to Prince Harry.

Reports suggest the couple has pursued separate engagements, while the Duchess of Sussex’s return to acting may signal a push for independence.

The shock sighting comes amid the release of Meghan Markle’s “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration,” which showed a sweet PDA moment with Prince Harry, seemingly countering split rumors.

An insider shared that Meghan appeared “overwhelmed” and “fighting back tears” during a recent visit to a bookstore near Montecito, California, sparking renewed speculation of a strain in her seven-year marriage to Prince Harry.

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“She’s an actress and can put on a brave front, but the mask was slipping,” the source told a news outlet.

The tension reportedly stems in part from Meghan sharing family moments on social media. Her posts in recent weeks have included videos of Harry watching the World Series at their Montecito home and clips of the couple with their children, Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4, at a pumpkin patch.

“One of the many reasons they left the U.K. was because they didn’t want to be chased by paparazzi,” the source explained. “They wanted to lead a very private life. It is hypocritical of her to want a private life, then you’re posting pictures of the kids on social media. Harry is upset about it because, obviously, he grew up in the spotlight. He knows what it’s like.”

Amid the speculations, earlier reports from the National Enquirer suggested that Harry and Meghan have been taking on separate engagements in recent months, hinting at a possible growing distance between them.

Royal commentator Hilary A. Fordwich also noted that the couple’s priorities may no longer align.

“I do think there is an underlying gulf between what her happy place is and what his happy place is,” she explained.

Some sources believe Meghan’s recent return to acting may be part of a plan to reclaim her independence.

After stepping back from her career following her marriage in 2018, she was recently spotted filming a cameo for the upcoming comedy “Close Personal Friends,” alongside Lily Collins, Brie Larson, Jack Quaid, and Henry Golding.

“Acting could be her attempt to gain independence in case they pull the trigger on their marriage,” an insider explained. “It could be her saying, ‘I need to go back to my roots. I need to go back to my own kind of thing.’ It’s her backup plan in case she exits.”

Despite the rumors, a potential divorce could carry major financial consequences for the couple.

Both Harry and Meghan have earned substantial income through post-royal deals with Netflix and Spotify, and Harry’s bestselling memoir “Spare” has added to his fortune.

The prince is also reported to have inherited around $10 million from his great-grandmother. Now, L.A. attorney Louis J. Shapiro notes that, under California’s community property laws, income earned during the marriage could potentially be divided equally, unless a prenuptial agreement is in place.

Child support could also become a factor if Meghan were granted primary custody of their children.

The insider predicted that Meghan would assert her claim to a substantial share of the couple’s wealth.

“Everything that they’ve earned post-royal life — and I think she would be the first one to say it — is because of her. She’s the one with all the contacts. She’s the one with the Hollywood connections,” they said.

They added: “She may go for half his money — and maybe more — because she would say, ‘Everything we got is because of me.'”

Meanwhile, the couple appeared to put divorce rumors to rest in a new teaser for Meghan’s “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration” special.

The December episode promises plenty of celebrity cameos, including a surprise appearance by tennis star Naomi Osaka, along with a few moments featuring Harry.

In the clip shared to Instagram, Meghan is seen cooking in the kitchen when Harry walks in. The duchess leans in to give him a quick, affectionate kiss, and Harry smiles as he returns it, holding a bowl of food in his hands.

Though the Sussexes have always been open about their love and frequently appear together at public events, PDA moments are rare, making this tender exchange a special treat for fans.

“Unwrap the magic and let the festivities begin when ‘With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration’ arrives December 3rd on @netflix,” Meghan captioned a post of the teaser.