The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced a setback after a new poll revealed that 97% of Brits think they should not make speeches around the world. The couple attended the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial at the European Parliament in Brussels on Tuesday, where Harry spoke about protecting children online.
Brussels Visit and Harry's Speech
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived hand-in-hand at the event and listened to parents who have lost children due to the harms of social media. Harry then gave a speech about the importance of protecting children from the online world. Meghan was due to speak but pulled out at the last minute, reportedly because she did not feel emotionally “strong enough” given recent events involving her father.
Harry said in his speech: “I’m not here as an expert or a politician. I’m here as a father. My wife, as a mother. And together, as a couple who stand alongside parents like Sandra, Megan and Sewell – in New York, Los Angeles, Geneva and now Brussels. Parents who never imagined they would have a reason to be in rooms like this.”
Poll Results and Public Reaction
The Daily Express poll, which ran from 7am on November 10 to 9.35am on November 12, asked readers: “Should Prince Harry and Meghan make speeches around the world?” The results showed 97% voted no, 2% voted yes, and 1% said they don’t know.
Reader comments were largely critical. One reader said: “What makes them experts in anything? I don’t understand why anyone would want to listen to either of them.” Another commented: “They are private citizens who are not qualified to speak on any subject.”
Mixed Views on Their Role
Some readers were indifferent. One said: “So long as they don't try to make out that they are speaking on behalf of Britain, or even the royal family, let them say what they like.” Another commented: “They can give speeches as much as they want. Nobody needs to listen to them.”
While the couple are not working royals, they carry out their work for charitable causes they are passionate about. The poll results indicate that many Brits do not support their public speaking engagements, though some remain open to their efforts as long as they do not claim to represent Britain or the royal family.
