In a startling turn of events for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced their first major setback of 2024 as their popularity continues to nosedive, reaching historic lows according to the latest Ipsos poll.
The couple, who stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and embarked on a new chapter in the United States, failed to make strides in winning public favor, even with King Charles and Princess Kate temporarily out of the spotlight due to health concerns.
The Ipsos study reveals a grim reality for the Sussexes, with Prince Harry facing a significant decline in popularity, as 47 percent of respondents expressed an "unfavorable opinion" of him. Only 23 percent held a "positive opinion," marking a considerable blow to his public image.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, fared even worse, with a staggering 54 percent of those surveyed holding an "unfavorable opinion" of her. A mere 18 percent expressed a "positive" view, representing a further five percent drop since the last poll.
Meghan's current polling percentage stands as her lowest ranking in the past five years, signifying a substantial decline in public approval.
The couple's struggles come at a time when King Charles and Princess Kate, recovering from medical procedures and temporarily absent from public view, continue to maintain higher levels of popularity compared to the Sussexes. Despite facing a turbulent 2023, including the release of the controversial biography "Endgame" by Omid Scobie and the end of their lucrative Spotify deal, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seem to be grappling with an uphill battle in winning back public trust.
As the royal health scares cast a shadow on the once-beloved couple, their attempts to forge a successful post-royal career have encountered another significant setback. The year 2024 starts on a somber note for the California-based duo, who find themselves at the mercy of public opinion as they navigate the challenges ahead.
