Have Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Lost Their Charm in America?
Once hailed as the most captivating members of the British Royal Family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle now find themselves grappling with a significant decline in their popularity in the United States. Once adored for their charm and modern approach to royal duties, recent events have led many to question whether the couple has lost their appeal among Americans.
A Shift in Public Perception
According to recent data, the favorability ratings for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have plummeted. A survey conducted by Statista revealed that only 30% of Americans now hold a favorable opinion of Harry, while a staggering 60% disapprove of him. This marks a dramatic shift from October 2019, when Harry enjoyed a 71% approval rating among the British public. The couple’s charm appears to be fading, and royal expert Ingrid Seward suggests that their numerous public statements and criticisms of the royal family have contributed to this decline.
Seward noted, “They give a lot of talks to Americans and they all dislike Harry and Meghan. They hate that they let the Queen down.” This sentiment reflects a growing discontent among those who once supported the couple, particularly following their decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to the U.S. in 2020.
The Fallout from Controversial Interviews
Prince Harry’s public image has taken a significant hit following a series of high-profile interviews and revelations about his life within the royal family. The bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, the Netflix docuseries released in 2022, and his tell-all memoir, "Spare," published in 2023, have all painted a picture of a couple at odds with the institution that once defined them. These revelations have not only strained Harry’s relationship with his family but have also alienated many of their American supporters.
Kinsey Schofield, a royal expert and host of the "To Di For Daily" podcast, expressed that many Americans have simply lost interest in the couple. She stated, “We lost interest in Harry and Meghan after realizing we had given them way too much credit over the years.” This sentiment echoes the views of others who believe that the couple’s attempts to reshape their narrative have backfired.
A Life of Luxury Amidst Growing Tensions
Currently residing in a lavish $14 million mansion in Montecito, California, Harry and Meghan are raising their two children, Archie and Lilibet. However, their luxurious lifestyle has not translated into unwavering support from the American public. As they navigate the fallout from their royal departure, their public appearances have become increasingly sporadic, leading to speculation about a potential professional separation.
While Harry focuses on charity work, Meghan appears to be pursuing commercial interests, further fueling rumors of a rift between the couple. Despite these challenges, Harry has dismissed the rumors of their separation, humorously noting the absurdity of the ongoing speculation surrounding their relationship.
Hollywood’s Cool Reception
Initially, Harry and Meghan were welcomed into Hollywood with open arms, but that enthusiasm has since waned. Publicist Jane Owen remarked that the couple is “definitely not doing well in LA’s social scene.” Despite securing lucrative deals with major streaming platforms, their projects have not resonated with audiences as expected. Their $20 million Spotify deal fell apart after Archewell Audio produced only a handful of podcasts, and their recent Netflix venture has received mixed reviews.
Stacy Jones, founder of a marketing agency, highlighted the importance of trust in Hollywood, stating, “Losing the Spotify deal in 2023 lingered into 2024, and without a major win this year, they’ve struggled to regain their footing.” This decline in public perception has also affected their relationships with high-profile celebrities, with reports suggesting that many A-listers are distancing themselves from the couple.
The Changing Landscape of Celebrity Relationships
As Harry and Meghan navigate their new lives in America, the dynamics of their celebrity friendships have shifted. Once close to stars like Priyanka Chopra, Serena Williams, and Oprah Winfrey, the couple now faces a growing distance from these high-profile connections. Paul Burrell, Princess Diana’s former butler, noted that celebrities are increasingly inclined to associate with Prince William and Kate Middleton rather than the Sussexes.
Despite the challenges they face, the couple’s ability to attract attention remains undeniable. However, the excitement that once surrounded their presence has significantly diminished, leaving them to navigate a cooler reception than when they first arrived in California.
In summary, the charm that once captivated the American public appears to be fading for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Their journey from beloved royals to controversial figures has left many questioning their appeal, as they grapple with the consequences of their choices and the shifting tides of public opinion.
