UK Public Rejects Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: A Royal Fallout

In a dramatic turn of events, the British public has seemingly closed the door on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with sentiments of frustration and betrayal echoing across the United Kingdom. The once-beloved Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who captured hearts with their fairy-tale wedding in 2018, now face a wave of disapproval, with many declaring, “We don’t want them!” This public backlash, fueled by years of controversy, high-profile media projects, and perceived disloyalty to the monarchy, marks a low point in the couple’s relationship with their former home. As social media platforms buzz with heated debates and polls reflect dwindling support, the story of Harry and Meghan’s fall from grace is a complex saga of love, ambition, and a nation divided.

From Fairy Tale to Fracture

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement in 2017, they were heralded as a breath of fresh air for the British monarchy. Meghan, an American actress known for her role in Suits, brought a modern, multicultural perspective to the royal family, while Harry, the charming “spare” to the throne, was a beloved figure for his military service and charitable work. Their wedding at St. George’s Chapel was watched by millions worldwide, a moment that seemed to signal a new era of inclusivity and relevance for the monarchy.

However, the honeymoon period was short-lived. By 2020, the couple shocked the world by announcing their decision to step back from senior royal duties and relocate to North America, citing unbearable media scrutiny and a desire for financial independence. The move, dubbed “Megxit” by the press, sparked a firestorm of debate. For some, it was a bold stand against an antiquated institution; for others, it was a betrayal of duty and privilege. The public’s initial sympathy began to erode as Harry and Meghan embarked on a series of candid interviews, documentaries, and a bestselling memoir that laid bare their grievances with the royal family.

The Media Blitz and Public Backlash

The turning point came with the couple’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, watched by nearly 50 million people globally. In it, Meghan revealed struggles with mental health, alleging that a senior royal had expressed concerns about their son Archie’s skin color before his birth. Harry spoke of being “trapped” within the royal system and feeling let down by his father, then-Prince Charles. The revelations were explosive, but they also alienated many in the UK, who felt the couple had aired private family matters on a global stage. The perception of disloyalty grew stronger with the release of their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan in 2022 and Harry’s memoir Spare in 2023, which detailed tensions with his brother, Prince William, and criticized the royal institution’s handling of Meghan.

These projects, while commercially successful, painted a picture of a couple at odds with the monarchy’s values of discretion and duty. Many Britons viewed them as self-serving, with social media posts reflecting anger over what some called “constant attacks” on the royal family. The couple’s decision to pursue lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, producing content that often revisited their royal experiences, further fueled accusations of exploiting their titles for profit. The launch of Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever (formerly American Riviera Orchard), and her Netflix series With Love, Meghan in 2025, were met with mixed reviews, with some praising her entrepreneurial spirit and others dismissing it as a shallow attempt to rebrand.

The Security and Titles Controversy

A significant source of public frustration has been the ongoing dispute over Harry and Meghan’s security arrangements in the UK. As working royals, they received automatic, taxpayer-funded police protection. After stepping down, this was replaced with “bespoke arrangements” determined on a case-by-case basis, a decision Harry has challenged in court. In 2025, he lost an appeal against the UK government, describing the outcome as a “good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up.” His comments, coupled with claims that King Charles had cut off communication over the issue, reignited public debate about whether the couple deserved special treatment.

The use of their royal titles—Duke and Duchess of Sussex—has also sparked controversy. Despite agreeing not to use their HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) designations for commercial purposes, Meghan was criticized for including “HRH The Duchess of Sussex” on a private gift note in 2024, prompting accusations of flouting royal protocol. Polls conducted in 2025 showed overwhelming support for stripping the couple of their titles, with one survey indicating that 97% of respondents believed King Charles should take action. The sentiment was clear: many felt that Harry and Meghan, having distanced themselves from royal duties, should not retain the privileges associated with their status.

A Plummeting Popularity

Recent polls paint a stark picture of the couple’s standing in the UK. A YouGov survey conducted in May 2025 revealed that only 20% of Britons view Meghan positively, while 65% hold a negative opinion. Harry fares slightly better, with 27% positive views, but his favorability is at its lowest in two years. The Prince and Princess of Wales, by contrast, enjoy approval ratings above 70%, underscoring the public’s preference for royals who remain committed to traditional duties. These figures reflect a “steady decline” in the Sussexes’ popularity, a trend that has persisted despite their efforts to rebrand through philanthropy and media projects.

The public’s disillusionment is evident online, where hashtags and memes decry the couple’s actions. Some accuse Meghan of manipulating Harry, portraying her as the driving force behind their departure and subsequent controversies. Others express sympathy for Harry, viewing him as a figure caught between loyalty to his wife and his royal heritage. Regardless, the prevailing narrative is one of rejection, with many Britons feeling that the couple has turned their backs on the nation that once embraced them.

A Cultural Divide

The backlash against Harry and Meghan is not just about their actions but also what they represent in a polarized world. For some, they symbolize a rejection of outdated traditions, with Meghan’s mixed-race background and feminist advocacy challenging the monarchy’s homogeneity. Their supporters argue that the vitriol they face is rooted in racism and resistance to change, pointing to the relentless tabloid scrutiny Meghan endured from the outset. Others, however, see their departure as a rejection of duty, accusing them of seeking fame and fortune while undermining the monarchy’s stability.

This divide mirrors broader cultural tensions in the UK, where debates about identity, privilege, and the monarchy’s relevance are increasingly prominent. The royal family, under King Charles III, is navigating a delicate balance between modernization and tradition, particularly as the king battles cancer and public attention shifts to younger royals like William and Kate. Harry and Meghan’s absence has left a void, but their continued presence in the media ensures that their story remains a lightning rod for public sentiment.

The Path Forward

As Harry and Meghan build their life in Montecito, California, with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, they show no signs of retreating from the public eye. Their Archewell Foundation continues to support causes like mental health and veterans’ welfare, while Meghan’s lifestyle ventures signal a shift toward a celebrity-driven brand. Harry, meanwhile, remains tied to his royal past, with projects like the Invictus Games and his ongoing security battle reflecting a lingering connection to the UK.

For the British public, however, the door appears firmly closed. The monarchy, focused on unity and stability, seems unlikely to welcome the Sussexes back into the fold, especially as King Charles prioritizes his health and legacy. Harry’s expressed desire for reconciliation, voiced in a 2025 BBC interview, is tempered by his acknowledgment of strained family ties, particularly with his father. The public’s rejection, while harsh, is a reminder of the high expectations placed on those who bear royal titles, even in exile.

A Nation’s Verdict

The story of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is a modern tragedy—a tale of love and ambition clashing with tradition and public expectation. Once celebrated as the future of the monarchy, they are now pariahs in the eyes of many Britons, their actions perceived as a betrayal of trust. Yet, their journey also highlights the complexities of identity and duty in a world where personal freedom often comes at a steep cost. As the UK moves forward, the saga of the Sussexes serves as a poignant reminder of the monarchy’s enduring power and the challenges of breaking free from its shadow. Dive into the drama, explore the divide, and discover why this royal rejection is captivating the world.