The Duke of Sussex has recently caused quite a stir with his explosive revelations in his memoir, Spare, but despite the controversy, support for the royal family seems to be holding strong.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s apparent efforts to undermine the monarchy may have backfired, as experts suggest that Britons could rally behind the crown in response.
In a series of high-profile TV interviews in both the UK and the US, Harry, aged 38, has made a number of shocking allegations and claims.
Among them, he has described Camilla, the Queen Consort, as dangerous and accused her of rehabilitating her image at his expense.
Furthermore, his memoir delves into the strained relationships he has with his father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince William.
Pauline McLaren, a Professor of Marketing and Consumer Research at Royal Holloway, University of London, believes that rather than weakening popular support for the monarchy, Harry’s claims could actually serve to strengthen it.
She points out that the public’s sympathy for Charles, William, Kate, and Camilla has been heightened in response to the attacks from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Recent polling data indicates a decline in Prince Harry’s favorability among Britons, with only 24% holding a positive view of him, while a significant 68% have a negative opinion.
This marks a record low for Harry, with older Britons showing even greater disapproval towards him compared to Prince Andrew.
Interestingly, Princess Anne has emerged as the most popular senior royal in Britain, with a remarkable 72% of the public holding a positive view of her.
Despite this, the overall support for retaining the monarchy remains largely unchanged at 64%, indicating a continued preference for the royal institution over an elected head of state.
As Prince Charles, Prince William, and Kate Middleton carry on with their official duties, they project an image of business as usual within the royal family.
Professor McLaren suggests that Harry’s revelations may actually humanize the Windsors in the eyes of the public, casting Charles as the aggrieved father, William as the responsible older brother, and Harry as the rebellious younger sibling.
Despite the controversy stirred by Harry’s claims, some experts believe that the monarchy could emerge stronger from the ordeal.
Professor McLaren speculates that King Charles’ upcoming coronation on May 6 could serve as a unifying event for the country, showcasing the pomp and pageantry associated with the royal family.
In conclusion, while Prince Harry’s bombshell claims have generated significant attention and debate, they may ultimately have the unintended consequence of bolstering support for the royal family.
As the Windsors navigate this period of scrutiny and upheaval, all eyes will be on King Charles’ coronation as a potential turning point in shaping public perception of the monarchy.
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