The British royal hierarchy is experiencing a notable shift, with the unshakable trio of Catherine, William, and the ever-dedicated Princess Anne gaining prominence.
Recent polling has revealed that Catherine, the Princess of Wales, isn’t just another royal family member; she is now the most popular figure within the British Royal Family. Her favorability rating stands at an impressive 66%, placing her ahead of Prince William, who follows closely with 65%. Meanwhile, King Charles III, despite facing personal health challenges, maintains a respectable 56% approval rating.
However, the story is quite different when it comes to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. According to the polls, Harry is viewed favorably by only 28% of the British public, and Meghan fares even worse, with just 21% holding a positive opinion of her. It seems the couple’s attempts to reshape their public image haven’t resonated well with the British public, where they are as welcome as an unexpected downpour on a summer’s day. Only Prince Andrew ranks lower on the favorability scale, with a dismal 10% approval rating.
The Ipsos survey paints a revealing picture of the current state of the monarchy. Despite ongoing efforts by some to modernize the institution, the British public still appears to hold traditional values of loyalty and duty in high regard. Gideon Skinner, senior director of UK politics at Ipsos, highlights that the royal family remains widely liked across various age groups and regions. Only 23% of respondents believe the monarchy should be abolished, while over two in five think Britain would be worse off without the royal family.
Adding to the royal momentum is Princess Anne, whose popularity is also on the rise. The Princess Royal, known for her no-nonsense approach to royal duties, continues to stand as a pillar of reliability. The trio of Catherine, William, and Anne seem to be blocking any potential return for Harry and Meghan, as their appeal to the British public dwindles. While the Sussexes have been busy promoting their narrative of a modern monarchy, the public has shown a clear preference for royals who embody resilience and dedication, qualities that seem to have evaded Harry and Meghan in recent times.
Harry and Meghan’s attempts to distance themselves from traditional royal responsibilities have only amplified how poorly they fit into the established framework of royal service. Their actions, which have often been interpreted as self-serving, sharply contrast with the steady and unwavering image projected by the likes of Catherine, William, and Anne. Perhaps Harry and Meghan underestimated the deep connection between the British public and the monarchy’s time-honored values. As speculation abounds, rumors persist about past incidents, including claims that Meghan may have sabotaged a royal event by allegedly making a deliberate fashion misstep involving Princess Charlotte, casting yet another shadow on their reputation.
With Harry and Meghan's public approval deteriorating as quickly as a house of cards, it’s clear that the British public has firmly shifted its allegiance toward those who exemplify the essence of royal duty. The late Queen Elizabeth II set an unyielding standard of loyalty and resilience, a legacy that is being upheld by the current royals. Catherine, William, and Anne are perceived as embodying these same principles, strengthening their connection with the people.
For Harry and Meghan, the reality of their diminishing influence is becoming more apparent. Their royal aspirations are slipping further from reach as the spotlight increasingly focuses on the trio of Catherine, William, and Anne. While the Sussexes once sought to modernize the monarchy, the public seems uninterested in their vision. As Catherine, William, and Anne enjoy a surge in public admiration, Harry and Meghan find themselves fading into obscurity, struggling to maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving royal landscape. The royal family, it seems, is thriving—leaving Harry and Meghan to navigate their uncertain future without a clear direction.
