Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's Popularity Plummets as Disenchanted Americans Distance Themselves from the Sussex Couple

Talk about the roller coaster ride we've all been on with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle since their grand exit from the royal family. Their popularity in the US has been quite a journey. After a soaring high with their Netflix 2022 special, things took a nosedive in January 2023. Harry's approval rating plummeted to minus 7, and Meghan wasn't faring much better at minus 33. It seemed like the American public had grown weary of the same old tune. But hold on to your hats because the Sussexes are masters of reinvention. Throughout 2023, they threw themselves into various projects in an attempt to climb back up the popularity ladder. 

First, there was the Artwell Productions venture into podcasting with Spotify. However, their podcast archetypes failed to impress, with rumors swirling about struggling to secure engaging guests and whispers of a questionable work ethic. Then came the bombshell – a Spotify executive labeled them as "grifters." Ouch! Another hit to the Sussex public image. Reports surfaced about Harry's audacious request for Air Force One from President Biden during the Queen's health struggles and eventual passing. Talk about self-entitlement. The public raised an eyebrow, and the Sussexes found themselves under scrutiny once again.

But let's not be entirely cynical here. Credit where credit is due – their charity work and advocacy efforts, especially their participation in Project Healthy Minds on World Mental Health Day Festival, earned them some respect. Sitting on a special panel and sharing their own mental health experiences showcased a different side of Harry and Meghan, a side that resonated with many.

Then there's Harry's memoir, a dive into the behind-the-scenes life of the royal rebel. It was a strategic move, adding layers to the narrative they had previously spun during their much-publicized interview with Oprah. The public seemed intrigued, and the Sussexes managed to regain some lost ground as the year drew to a close.

Whispers about their next move circulated like wildfire. Would Meghan return to Hollywood or resurrect her blog, The Tig? The speculation had fans and critics alike on the edge of their seats. And lo and behold, the polls started showing a surprising trend – the Sussexes' popularity was on the rise again. In a poll by Redfield and Wilton for Newsweek, Harry scored an impressive plus 29, while Meghan wasn't far behind at plus 15. Millennials, in particular, seemed to find the couple rather favorable.