Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s popularity sinks to all-time low ahead of Jubilee visit
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s popularity in the UK has hit an all-time low just days before the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
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Just days before the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s popularity has sunk to a record low, according to a new poll.
A survey conducted by YouGov asked 1692 UK adults whether they felt positively or negatively of the royal couple. The study found that 63 per cent hold a negative view of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The results showed Harry’s favourability score had dropped from -25 in March to -26 in May, with 58 per cent of people thinking negatively of him compared to 32 per cent who see him in a positive light.
Meghan’s score slumped from -39 to -42 in the latest survey, with 63 per cent having a negative view of her versus 23 per cent of the public who hold a positive opinion.
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The pair’s popularity has been sliding ever since they quit royal life at the start of 2020 to move to the US.
However, despite the dramatic drop in overall popularity, YouGov data journalist Connor Ibbetson said among young people the Sussexes continue to be seen in a positive light.
“Four in 10 of those aged 18 to 24 (42 per cent) see Harry positively, and 33 per cent see him negatively – a net score of +9,” he said.
“This young age group are more closely split over Meghan with a net score of +2, as 38 per cent view her positively and 36 per cent negatively.
“Harry and Meghan are both seen poorly by older generations,” he said. “Their popularity diminishes progressively with each older age group, reaching a low of -65 and -79 respectively among those Britons aged 65 and over.”
The results come as the pair are set to visit England with their children for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations – marking her 70 years on the throne.
It is believed the monarch may meet her great granddaughter and namesake Lilibet for the first time at her first birthday party, according to The Sun.
However, the 96-year-old monarch has ordered that only working royals will appear on the balcony during the traditional Trooping the Colour. This rules out the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as well as Prince Andrew.
A palace spokesman said: “After careful consideration, the Queen has decided this year’s traditional Trooping the Colour balcony appearance on Thursday, June 2, will be limited to Her Majesty and those members of the royal family who are currently undertaking official public duties on behalf of the Queen.”
However, though they won’t appear on the palace balcony, it has been reported Harry and Meghan will be at St Paul’s Cathedral the following day alongside other members of the royal family for the Queen’s service of thanksgiving.
– with The Sun
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