It seems the sheen surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is beginning to fade in the eyes of the American public.
Once hailed as modern royalty, Meghan Markle is reportedly experiencing a decline in her popularity, raising questions about their enduring appeal since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
After relocating to California, the couple swiftly capitalized on their fame, securing lucrative deals with major streaming platforms like Spotify and Netflix, raking in over $100 million.
However, despite their initial success in the entertainment industry, the couple has faced significant setbacks.
Spotify recently severed ties with them, leading to accusations of being opportunists.
Meanwhile, their Netflix deal remains uncertain, leaving fans and critics alike wondering about their future in Hollywood.
Jenny Bond, a former royal correspondent for the BBC, weighed in on the situation during an interview with OK!
magazine.
She suggested that while Prince Harry might not be overly concerned with public opinion polls, Meghan, known for her media savvy, could find the current sentiment hard to digest.
In May, polling data indicated that only 36% of American adults viewed the Duchess favorably, while 24% expressed dislike, resulting in a modest net approval rating of plus 12.
Interestingly, Meghan’s popularity lags behind that of Princess Catherine, the Prince of Wales, and even Harry himself, despite her being an American citizen.
This disparity raises eyebrows, especially considering the Sussexes’ efforts to establish themselves in the U.S. market.
Bond pointed to the recent controversy surrounding Harry’s acceptance of the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPYs as a pivotal moment that may have contributed to their declining favor.
The backlash against Harry’s award, particularly from the Tillman family and segments of the American public, suggests that many view the couple’s actions as self-serving.
Bond speculated that Harry could have made a wiser choice by nominating one of his Invictus Games heroes instead, potentially avoiding further criticism.
Even the glitzy ESPY awards, where the Sussexes were in attendance, were soon overshadowed by the Wimbledon championships.
The return of Princess Catherine during the men’s final captured the public’s attention, further emphasizing the couple’s waning spotlight.
Bond also noted that the novelty of having a British royal living in the U.S. has diminished over time.
Initially, there was a buzz about the Sussexes’ presence, but as Americans grew accustomed to the idea, that excitement has seemingly faded.
Yet, she acknowledged that Harry still possesses a likable charm that resonates with those around him.