Meghan Markle and Prince Harry returned to Britain in August hoping to repair their public image, but the latest polling suggests their popularity problem has been hard to shake, even after the warm welcome they received in Nottingham on their first joint public appearance since the move.
YouGov figures released on October 29 show that only 29% of Britons view Harry positively, while Meghan stands at 20%. Her negative rating sits at 68%, which leaves her with a net favorability of minus 48. That is one point lower than the minus 47 YouGov recorded in its mid-April poll.
According to Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice, a source said the couple believed coming back would change everything and that the public would give them another chance. “But returning to Britain doesn’t automatically mean Britain wants them back,” they source added.
Another insider told the outlet:
“They desperately wanted this to feel like a comeback. Instead, the numbers suggest there is still a huge amount of ground to make up. You cannot rebuild public affection simply by showing up at one event.”
Harry’s own numbers have slipped too. YouGov’s July figures had him at 33% positive and 58% negative, compared with 29% positive in the latest figures.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Could Leave the UK in Six Months
The most striking claim concerns how long the couple might stay.
“Give it six months. If things don’t turn around, they will decide Britain is no longer worth the effort and head elsewhere. They wanted a redemption story, but winning back public trust takes more than just returning to the country you insulted,” a source said.
The couple’s return has been difficult in other ways too. From a cold welcome from the royal family to security concerns around their children’s school, Harry and Meghan had reportedly threatened to leave the UK if their Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) security review did not go their way. RadarOnline even reported earlier this month that the Duchess was ready to quit the UK, though Harry wanted to stay.
For now, there is no sign the couple are leaving. Harry and Meghan have since traveled overseas with their children, reportedly for the UK school half-term break. Meanwhile, Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., is under investigation in the Philippines over allegations raised by his son, Thomas Markle Jr. Markle Sr. has denied the allegations.
You May Also Like:
Add us as a preferred source on Google.