Despite the Sussexes' efforts to rehabilitate their image through a media campaign, Meghan's return to her Hollywood A-list social circle, including gatherings with celebrities like the Kardashians, Adele, and the Biebers at Beyonce's 42nd birthday party, has not yielded the desired results.
According to a recent poll conducted by Newsweek, only 31% of Americans have a favorable opinion of Meghan, while 33% hold an unfavorable view, resulting in a net approval rating of -2.
This dramatic decline represents a stark contrast to Meghan's standing in December, when a separate poll conducted by the same outlet showed a net approval rating of +23, with many Americans moved by her narrative of challenging the Royal establishment and the hardships she faced as a divorced, non-white member of the world's most famous family. However, by June, her popularity had already started to wane, with her approval rating dropping to +6%.
Prince Harry's biography, "Spare," which received criticism on both sides of the Atlantic upon its January release, has had less of an impact on his image compared to Meghan. Currently, he maintains a net approval rating of +12%. In contrast, the latest poll conducted among 1500 U.S. adults between September 3rd and September 4th reveals that more Americans now hold an unfavorable view of Meghan than a favorable one for the first time in five months.
This decline in popularity comes after the couple's Netflix documentary, "Harry and Meghan," failed to impress American viewers, with fewer than a million tuning in for the first episode, in stark contrast to the 2.4 million viewers in the UK, where the Sussexes have a less favorable public image. In December 2022, Meghan's popularity stood at +23, while Harry's net approval rating was +38.
However, this dynamic shifted in January, shortly after Harry published his scandal-ridden memoir, "Spare." Meghan's approval rating dropped by 36 points to -13, while Harry's plummeted by 45 points to -7. In February, another poll revealed that Meghan's rating reached -17, placing her in a less favorable light than even the disgraced Prince Andrew, whose association with Jeffrey Epstein had led to his public exile.
Harry's recent efforts to find success with his Netflix show, "Heart of Invictus," and his philanthropic endeavors with the Invictus Games have failed to make a significant impact on streaming platforms. The show didn't crack the top 10 charts after its release on August 30th.
As the couple continues to navigate public opinion, Meghan's decline in popularity raises questions about her future endeavors. Some speculate that her ongoing rift with the UK and her controversial statements may affect her standing in the long term, while others believe her Hollywood background and connections may play a significant role in her future career prospects.
