Prince Harry was left 'absolutely crushed' after a fresh insight into how the British public feel about him following his return to the UK, as he was booed at a rugby match. The public perception of the Duke was made clear as he watched the Leicester Tigers play Gloucester on October 9, causing Harry to appear close to 'tears' as he clutched a pint.
As the prince watched the game, the camera panned to him in the crowd and boos rang out. The reception didn't go unnoticed, as commentator Nick Mullins was quick to note "some boos there" before quickly moving on.
Royal expert weighs in on public reception
Writing on The Royalist substack, royal expert Tom Sykes suggested this was a sign of the one problem Harry and Meghan face, the UK public. He wrote: "There is just one problem. The public, the people they seem to wish to be a figure to, have spent the past fortnight telling the Sussexes exactly what they think of them."
Sykes added that Harry would have found the reaction "painful". "Boos are the stuff of royal nightmares," he explained. "When the tabloids attack him, Harry can take them to court. When the Palace sends a chilly letter, he can blame the men in grey suits.
"The entire Sussex story depends on the idea that the press and the courtiers are the problem, and that the British people, deep down, are still on his side. The boos at Welford Road were the verdict of the people. This isn't a media conspiracy. This isn't the press."
Source describes Harry's reaction
Entertainment journalist Rob Shuter added that the humiliation Harry felt "brought him to tears". A source told the outlet: "Harry didn't hear the boos. He was enjoying the match and genuinely believed everyone was happy to see him.
"It wasn't until afterward that the reality hit. He was absolutely crushed."
Upcoming joint appearance in Nottingham
The tough treatment comes ahead of the Sussexes' first appearance together since returning to England. On October 15, Harry and Meghan will step out for a royal-style engagement in Nottingham. The couple will visit the Community Recording Studio to watch an acting workshop and then join members of the Hubb Community Kitchen at the Himmah food bank.
A friend told the Sunday Times: "Nottingham is a really special place for them and they are looking forward to getting back out there into the community, together." Nottingham is the city the pair first stepped out as an engaged couple in December 2017.
Meghan has had a very sparse schedule following the shocking move, as Harry has made several appearances at events. Sources told Woman's Day: "Meghan was advised a while ago to be less accessible because it creates more interest so that's the strategy she's leaning into." They added that Meghan had been "deliberately biding her time and staying out of sight intentionally".
"When she does start stepping out more, the hope is that she'll have built up enough anticipation that people will be excited to see her, rather than having her everywhere right away and the public getting sick of her," the source added. However, after the public's reaction to Harry at the recent rugby fixture, it is unclear whether the couple will be met with open arms in Nottingham.
