According to the latest Ipsos poll, only 21% of Brits still consider Prince Harry a royal—most see him as a celebrity. Honestly, I’m surprised the number is even that high. Meanwhile, Prince William, our future king, is sitting pretty with a 64% approval rating. The contrast between the two brothers couldn’t be more striking.
And let’s not forget the ladies. Princess Catherine has a mere 12% unfavorable rating, while Meghan Markle’s unfavorable rating sits at a whopping 54%. Ouch. These numbers speak volumes about how the public views their roles and contributions to the monarchy.
The British public, known for their politeness and reserve, are now actively voicing their disapproval of Harry. We’re not just talking about a few disgruntled individuals—this is a significant shift in public opinion. When 40% of people see you as more celebrity than royal, it’s clear something has gone seriously wrong.
And let’s talk about timing. While William and Catherine have been handling her health challenges with grace and dignity, what’s happening on the other side of the pond? Meghan’s launching a lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard, selling luxury marmalade or whatever it is. Seriously? While the Princess of Wales is focusing on her recovery and family, we’ve got someone else trying to cash in on their royal connections.
After the Oprah interview, the Netflix documentary, and Harry’s memoir Spare (how fitting is that title?), it’s no wonder the British public isn’t welcoming Harry with open arms anymore. It’s like watching someone set fire to their house and then being shocked they can’t come back for tea.
And let’s not forget the numbers for other royals. Princess Anne has a 56% approval rating, and King Charles sits at 49%. These are people who show up day after day, doing their duty, supporting charities, and representing the nation—no drama, no headlines, just service. That’s what real royalty looks like.
While William is preparing to be king with 67% of people confident he’ll do a good job, Harry is… well, what exactly is he doing? Fighting with newspapers? Making occasional appearances at award shows? It’s heartbreaking to see how far he’s fallen in public opinion. Remember when Harry was the cheeky, beloved prince who could do no wrong? The soldier prince who created the Invictus Games? It’s all so preventable.
What’s really sad is the impact this is having on the monarchy as an institution. While William and Catherine are working tirelessly to modernize the monarchy while maintaining its dignity, Harry and Meghan seem determined to turn it into a reality TV show. They don’t seem to understand that the magic of monarchy lies partly in its mystery.
Queen Camilla’s numbers are interesting too. With a 33% favorable rating, it shows how winning over the public is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about consistent service, showing up, and doing the work—not splashy headlines and Netflix deals.
The British are known for their tolerance and willingness to give second chances, but even that has its limits. Harry and Meghan have finally found those boundaries. The differential between William and Harry’s numbers is particularly telling. This isn’t just about choosing one brother over another—it’s about recognizing who understands the role and responsibilities of being royal and who’s trying to have their cake and eat it too.
Looking ahead, these poll numbers are crucial for the future of the monarchy. They show that the public can distinguish between genuine service and celebrity-seeking behavior. William and Catherine’s children are growing up watching their parents serve with dignity, while their cousins across the pond are growing up in a very different world. What message does that send?
The numbers don’t lie. They might not tell the whole story, but they certainly tell an important part of it. Right now, the story they’re telling is pretty clear: the British public knows the difference between genuine service and self-service.
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