Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Influence Leaves William and Catherine Feeling Pressured
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have once again stirred tensions within the royal family regarding the monarchy’s future. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, once highly popular among Britons, saw their favourability soar before stepping down from senior royal duties.
A 2019 Statista survey revealed Harry was favoured by 71 per cent of the UK population, with a later poll in 2023 indicating his popularity dropped by only 30 per cent, showing his enduring appeal. PR expert Carla Speight suggested that Harry and Meghan’s widespread popularity posed a threat to William and Catherine's position as future monarchs.
However, the Sussexes' critical public remarks about the royal family in recent years have negatively impacted their UK reputation. Royal commentator Ingrid Seward pointed out that Harry's memoir, Spare, brought him wealth but at the cost of public perception. Despite this, the couple has shifted strategy, focusing on positive engagement and avoiding controversial comments in their recent appearances, potentially aiming to repair their relationship with the monarchy.
Interestingly, a YouGov poll revealed that Harry and Meghan’s philanthropy projects have boosted their appeal among younger Britons, a shift that reportedly leaves William and Catherine concerned about their future roles.
