Royal commentators are suggesting the House of Windsor is making a strategic error by continuing to keep Prince Harry at arm's length, arguing his unique appeal to younger people is an asset the monarchy desperately needs.
The Lost Asset: Harry's Fading Popularity and Youth Appeal
Prince Harry's recent appearance on US television's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert sparked debate. While some royal experts criticised his participation as 'insensitive' during a busy period for the Windsors, others saw it as a stark reminder of what the Firm has lost. His easy charm and the audience's warm reception highlighted a natural communicator now operating outside the royal fold.
This comes against a backdrop of declining popularity for the Duke in the UK. Current YouGov approval ratings place Harry at around 34 per cent, with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at 25 per cent. For comparison, the disgraced Prince Andrew scores a mere 13 per cent, while the Princess of Wales leads the royal charts with 68 per cent approval.
However, the most significant loss identified by analysts is not his overall rating, but his specific connection with the young. Before stepping back as a working royal nearly six years ago, Harry consistently polled well with the British public. Today, with the average age of working royals in the late 60s, the institution struggles to resonate with younger demographics.
A Stark Generational Divide Threatens the Monarchy's Future
Recent research paints a concerning picture for the monarchy's long-term prospects. While 58 per cent of Britons overall wish to keep the monarchy, this support is heavily skewed by age. A National Centre for Social Research study reveals a deep generational chasm.
Among those aged 55 and over, a commanding 76 per cent strongly support the continuation of the monarchy. The view is almost inverted among the young: nearly 60 per cent of Britons aged 16 to 34 would prefer to scrap the monarchy altogether in favour of an elected head of state.
This data raises urgent questions about how the Windsors can broaden their appeal and secure the institution's future relevance. For columnist Simon Kelner, writing in the i Paper, the solution is clear: reintegrate Prince Harry.
The Case for 'Brand Windsor' to Embrace Harry Again
Kelner argues that for 'Brand Windsor' to thrive in a modern, multi-media landscape, it must extend its relevance across all age groups. He posits that Prince Harry possesses a unique ability to bridge this gap. "He can speak the language of TikTok as confidently as King Charles can speak German," Kelner wrote, suggesting Harry can engage an audience indifferent to traditional royal pronouncements.
"If those who seek to shape the Royal Family’s image and commercial appeal... want to succeed, they would do well to put their arms around Harry again," he advised, predicting that some within the establishment recognise this potential and await his return.
Not all observers agree. Tom Sykes, editor of The Royalist newsletter, countered that Harry's continued use of his royal title and global profile makes his actions inseparable from the monarchy in the public eye, especially in America. Sykes argued that a global audience still sees him as a royal representative, meaning his independent commentary inevitably reflects back on the institution.
The debate underscores a central tension for the modern monarchy: balancing tradition with evolution. As support among the young dwindles, the pressure to find a compelling solution intensifies, with Prince Harry's potential role remaining a contentious yet pivotal point of discussion.
