The Duke of Sussex has been largely recast by the public eye, with many seeing him more as a global celebrity rather than a traditional royal figure. The Telegraph reported that a recent Ipsos poll highlights this shifting perception amid his activities in North America and his departure from royal duties.
According to the Ipsos poll, only a minority of Britons still view Prince Harry as primarily a royal, with a significant number convinced he is now more of a celebrity.
Since stepping back from his role as a working royal in 2020, Prince Harry has lived in North America with the Duchess of Sussex.
The couple retained their dukedom, yet they no longer employ the formal titles "His and Her Royal Highness." Additionally, Harry relinquished his military titles, marking a shift from his previous duties.
In the recent Ipsos poll, 40% of respondents perceive the Duke of Sussex predominantly as a celebrity, whereas only 21% consider him a royal.
A further 20% view him as a blend of the two, with 16% seeing him as neither. This study involved over a thousand participants across Britain.
The Duke's media presence has undeniably shifted in recent years. From high-profile deals, such as the $100 million contract with Netflix, to the prematurely ended $20 million Spotify agreement, Harry and Meghan's media ventures have been under intense scrutiny.
Prince Harry's media output includes four productions: Harry and Meghan, Polo, Heart of Invictus, and With Love, Meghan. These projects have kept him in the public limelight, but have also stirred mixed reactions, highlighting the broad spectrum of opinion toward the couple.
There's a notable contrast in public opinion when it comes to Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William. While 43% of the British public view Harry unfavorably, only 15% hold similar opinions about William. The latter is widely considered a fit candidate for the future king, with two-thirds of respondents believing in his capability.
The Duke's relationship with his family has been strained since moving across the Atlantic. Since the King's coronation in May 2023, Harry has not met his brother.
Prior to that, he last saw William at the Queen's funeral in September 2022. Their last encounter was brief and attended under solemn circumstances, highlighting familial tensions.
Tensions have also been exacerbated by Prince Harry's memoir, Spare. The book includes claims of familial discord, including an alleged physical altercation with his brother, casting doubts on the prospects of reconciliation. He also recorded a poignant moment involving the King, where he reportedly addressed concerns about the future.
Adding to public scrutiny, Vanity Fair published reports of employees needing therapy sessions to cope with the Duchess, describing her as extremely demanding.
Harry and Meghan have faced harsh labels in the industry. Notably, Spotify executive Bill Simmons characterized the couple as deceptive for their approach to business.
Their duties overseas and the distance from Britain have significantly limited the couple's visits. These infrequent interactions with the Royal Family highlight the deep personal and professional changes they've undergone. Similarly, Harry's involvement with charitable endeavors like the Invictus Games continues to shape his public identity.
Despite occasional visits to see his father or participate in significant royal events, Harry's presence in Britain remains rare.
His last meeting with the King occurred near the beginning of the year, following the King's cancer diagnosis. Such events underline a complex family dynamic amplified by geographic and emotional distances.
