Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing to return to the UK this month, six years after moving to Montecito, California. During that time, the couple's public standing has shifted dramatically, according to royal expert Duncan Larcombe.
Popularity decline since leaving UK
Larcombe told Metro: 'They're now at the bottom, above only Prince Andrew – or former Prince Andrew – in popularity.' He added: 'So, the polls give us a pretty clear indication of just how far they've fallen like a stone through public opinion.'
When the couple left the UK, much of the world was in lockdown due to the Covid pandemic, Queen Elizabeth was still on the throne, and a significant portion of the UK public still liked them after they stepped down as working royals. Since then, Harry's father Charles has become king, the couple have had another child, Princess Lilibet, and much private information has been made public.
Factors behind the rift
The couple's fall in popularity has been driven by negative press from events including their Oprah Winfrey interview, the publication of Harry's memoir Spare, and a Netflix documentary series. Much of that focused on behind-the-scenes stories that painted other members of the Royal Family, particularly Harry's brother William, in a negative light.
Larcombe said: 'I don't really think they'll realize until they get here just how unpopular they've become.' He noted that the couple's 2018 wedding was 'all about the Markle sparkle,' which could mean they face a surprise upon their return.
Reconciliation prospects
A significant rift reportedly still exists between the brothers, though Harry is believed to be mending ties with King Charles after a private meeting last month at Highgrove House. Larcombe said the king is 'probably cautiously optimistic' about the family's return, but added he 'can't see any reconciliation with William as far as things stand' after the couple's statements from California.
Larcombe added: 'Harry told [ITV] in his interview, that the ball was effectively in the royal court – it was for them to reach out. I think William feels the exact opposite of the case and that he's owed an apology, his wife's owed an apology, and if Harry and Meghan don't give that apology and make the effort, I don't think there's any hope for the end of the rift.'
Opportunity for children and public life
For Prince Archie, born a year before the move, and Princess Lilibet, born a year after, the return may offer a chance to connect with family. Larcombe said: 'You have to hope that Archie and Lilibet will now have the opportunity to meet their cousins, to build some sort of relationship with the rest of the Royal Family, and to know where their heritage comes from.'
Larcombe believes the couple will remain visible in the UK, saying: 'It's difficult to see them coming to England and literally living a reclusive life, sort of hidden away in the Cotswolds, not being seen publicly. Harry's still got things like the Invictus Games and WellChild that he supports, and so he's clearly still going to have a pretty high profile when he moves back to the UK. I can't see them hiding away. And if this was a desire to move out of the limelight, then the UK is probably the worst place they could choose.'
