Harry's Popularity Declines In Britain
In the United Kingdom, Prince Harry was once widely admired, with a 71% approval rating in 2019. However, this figure plummeted to 30% by August 2023. Public disapproval has also soared, rising from 22% in 2019 to a striking 60% in the same period.
Several major events have been linked to this decline. These include the couple's revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, the release of their Netflix docuseries in 2022, and the publication of Harry’s memoir, *Spare*, in 2023. Each venture drew criticism for its focus on personal grievances and its portrayal of royal family disputes.
Critics have argued that the couple’s actions have alienated many who once supported them, particularly those loyal to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Mixed Reactions Among American Audiences
Across the Atlantic, American audiences have shown a complex response. While 53% of Americans still hold a positive view of Harry, polls indicate this sentiment is diminishing. A growing number of Americans have expressed frustration over the couple’s public criticisms of the royal family and lifestyle choices.
Publicist Jane Owen offered a harsh assessment, stating that Harry and Meghan had “actively destroyed” opportunities in Hollywood. Similarly, Angela Levin, a royal author, noted that Americans generally prefer proactive individuals and are less tolerant of “endless moaning.”
Rumors and controversy have only fueled skepticism. Harry himself has addressed persistent claims of personal and professional separation from Meghan, dismissing them as baseless speculation.
Criticism Over Public Appearances
Meghan Markle has also faced scrutiny for her public appearances. Her attendance at a Beverly Hills event in December 2024, honoring Tyler Perry, received mixed reactions. Earlier, she encountered backlash over her choice of attire at an October gala, where some criticized her revealing red dress.
Beyond fashion, the couple’s ventures in media and entertainment have drawn lukewarm receptions. Their Netflix series about polo, for example, garnered poor reviews, with Harry making only brief appearances. Meanwhile, Meghan’s planned cooking show and her American Riviera Orchard brand launch remain pending.
Satirical portrayals have further damaged their reputation. In 2023, they were mocked in a widely discussed *South Park* episode titled "The Worldwide Privacy Tour," highlighting contradictions between their calls for privacy and public activities.
Backlash Over High-Profile Awards
In July 2024, Harry’s acceptance of the Pat Tillman Award sparked significant controversy. Over 76,000 individuals signed a petition opposing the decision, arguing it was inappropriate for such a divisive figure. Mixed reactions followed, with polls showing that while 38% opposed the award, 21% supported it.
Mary Tillman, the mother of the late soldier after whom the award is named, expressed her shock at the selection, describing Harry as a controversial choice. This event amplified criticism of the couple’s perceived detachment from broader public sentiment.
Veteran soldier Ben McBean offered his perspective, urging Harry to move beyond familial disputes, stating, “Family’s family.”
Royal Experts Highlight Disdain
Royal experts and commentators have also weighed in on the couple’s reputation. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, remarked that Americans “dislike Harry and Meghan” and feel disappointed by their treatment of the Queen.
Kinsey Schofield, a royal commentator, echoed similar sentiments, observing that many Americans simply do not care about Harry anymore. Critics have often pointed to a mismatch between the couple’s lavish lifestyle and their public appeals for understanding.
The German documentary *Harry: The Lost Prince* criticized the couple for living opulently while publicly condemning the institution they left behind. Such portrayals have reinforced perceptions of hypocrisy among their detractors.
Future Projects And Speculation
Despite these challenges, Meghan and Harry continue to develop new projects. Meghan’s upcoming ventures, including a cooking show, aim to reestablish their brand. The couple’s American Riviera Orchard brand may also play a role in their efforts to reconnect with the public.
Speculation about their future remains rampant. While rumors of separation persist, Harry has been vocal in denying such claims, often humorously addressing the frequency of such reports.
As public opinion continues to shift, the couple faces an uphill battle to regain the trust and admiration they once enjoyed. Their evolving story highlights the complexities of fame, media scrutiny, and public perception in the modern era.
