Prince Harry has found himself at the center of controversy following his choice to step down as a senior member of the royal family, with the British public showing disapproval towards him, as indicated by opinion polls, according to a royal historian speaking to Express.co.uk.
The expert shared insights into Harry and Meghan’s future trajectory after their significant departure from the royal family and relocation to the United States last year.
In a statement to Express.co.uk, he highlighted the stark decline in Harry’s standing in the eyes of the British public, noting a sharp contrast from his previous popularity levels prior to 2019.
The royal historian pointed out that Harry’s approval rating stood at a robust 71% in October 2019, based on a survey conducted by the research firm YouGov.
However, following the announcement of his and Meghan’s decision to step back from their royal duties, his favorability rating plummeted to 55% by January of the subsequent year.
Recent data from YouGov, collected from a poll of 1,667 individuals between August 27 and 29, revealed a further decline in Harry’s favorability to 44% this month.
Similarly, positive opinions of Meghan have also experienced a decline, dropping from 55% in October 2019 to 49% in January 2020, and further dwindling to 33% in the latest poll.
The downturn in public sentiment towards the couple has been attributed to various factors, including fallout from their revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey, their comments on the pandemic, and their stance on the situation in Afghanistan.
Following a review period, Queen Elizabeth II confirmed in February that Harry and Meghan would not resume their roles as working members of the royal family.
Shortly after, the much-anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey aired, where the Sussexes candidly discussed their motivations for stepping back from their public duties and raised allegations of mistreatment during their time within the royal fold.
In a move that stirred further speculation, Prince Harry announced intentions to release a personal memoir in the coming year, potentially shedding more light on his royal departure.
Despite waning support in the UK, experts suggest that his memoir is likely to resonate positively with an American audience, given his current level of intrigue and relevance in the media landscape.
Dr. Owens, a former lecturer and author, emphasized Harry’s current appeal and the opportunity for him to capitalize on the public’s interest in his narrative, particularly in the US where he remains a compelling figure.
Looking ahead, as Queen Elizabeth prepares to mark her platinum jubilee next year, commemorating her remarkable seven-decade reign, plans are underway for an extended bank holiday weekend from June 2 to 5.
Amidst speculations about the impact of Harry’s upcoming memoir on the jubilee celebrations, Dr. Owens suggested that the event will likely proceed independently of the book’s release, with Harry and Meghan expected to receive invitations to the festivities.
Anticipating a symbolic gesture akin to Prince Philip‘s funeral earlier this year, it is envisaged that their participation in the jubilee events may be brief yet significant, reflecting the complex dynamics surrounding their relationship with the royal establishment.
Related Stories
