Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s popularity in US slumps even further after South Park episode

The popularity of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has plummeted to an all-time low in the US, where they are now less popular than the disgraced Prince Andrew, according to a startling survey.

Since December last year, Harry has sunk 48 points and Meghan 40, giving them net approval ratings of -10 and -17 respectively, according to a Redfield & Wilton poll for news weekheld on February 19.

While Andrew is still viewed negatively after his New York civil trial against his sex accuser Virginia Roberts, which he settled out of court, his net approval rating sits at -2, with 26 percent of Americans saying they they like it compared to 28 percent. who does not.

The Sussexes’ nosedive in popularity comes just days after they were mocked by South Park, a satirical cartoon famous for having its finger on the pulse of American culture.

The couple was satirized in an episode broadcast on February 15, four days before the latest poll, which was titled The Worldwide Privacy Tour and showed them embarking on a publicity campaign to promote the Prince’s new book, Waaagh.

New US data shows drop in couple’s approval ratings over past three months

After the show aired, reports surfaced suggesting that Meghan, 41, had been left “upset and overwhelmed” by the unflattering portrayal of the couple, while a royal commentator claimed that the Sussexes’ lawyers were ” taking a look.” the animated series.

However, a spokesperson for Harry, 38, and his wife criticized speculation that they plan to sue the creators of South Park, calling the rumors “boring and unfounded” in a statement given to news week.

But the latest poll suggests that the increased attention and scrutiny of the Sussexes, sparked by their six-part Netflix docuseries, Harry’s memoir, Spare and a series of explosive interviews, has only put more of the public against him.

This week’s poll shows that 18 per cent of US respondents felt neither favorably nor unfavorably about Harry, while 7 per cent answered ‘I don’t know’. About 20 percent were undecided about Meghan and just 8 percent didn’t have an opinion.

The figures mean that only 25 percent of respondents did not express strong feelings about the duke, and 28 percent about the duchess.

However, when it comes to Andrew, who has kept a low profile, some 32 percent of those surveyed had a “neither favorable nor unfavorable” view, while another 13 percent responded “I don’t know,” meaning a total of 45 percent. Cent was not of a strong opinion by any means, perhaps making him a less polarizing figure.

Respondents were also asked if they felt positive or negative towards Harry, Meghan and Andrew, and the results are likely to make for sober reading for the couple.

Some 32 per cent felt positive for Harry, compared to 27 per cent for Meghan and 26 per cent for Andrew.

However, 44 per cent had negative sentiment towards Meghan, compared to 42 per cent for Harry and just 28 per cent for Andrew.

It comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be “evaluating” whether or not to fly to Britain for the king’s coronation on May 6, according to The viewer.

Friends of the couple said this week that they are “in limbo” and considering the “million different variables” that affect their decision.

And royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said security fears and a “seismic dip” in popularity since the publication of Harry’s memoirs mean they could stay home.

Harry wants to be by his father’s side on “pretty much the most important day” and hopes to salvage his strained relationship with the royal family, sources close to the duke said. the daily telegraph.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be “evaluating” whether or not to fly for the May 6 ceremony.

The king’s coronation will take place in London on May 6.

Insiders say it’s a ‘tricky’ decision because the couple may be accused of ‘snubbing’ the family by not attending, but they also risk ‘being booed or labeled as hypocrites’.

Friends of the couple say they won’t make a decision about attending the Coronation until a formal invitation arrives at their California home.

They will then decide if they will go to the historic event together or if Harry, 38, will attend without Meghan. It is also possible that none make an appearance.

If Harry or Meghan, 41, visit the UK for the ceremony, it is understood that their visit will be “brief”.

“They have no idea,” a friend said of his impending decision. They’ll cross that bridge when they get to it.

It comes as a YouGov poll this week showed that more than half of the British public believe Harry should have state protection, but 37 percent should pay for it himself.

More than a quarter of people (28 percent) thought they should not get police protection at all as their case for judicial review continues.

The prince, who moved to California with his wife Meghan Markle after stepping down from royal duties in 2020, launched a legal battle after his right to have guards was withdrawn.

His legal case against the Home Office over the police safety of his family has already cost the state almost £300,000, a freedom of information request has revealed.

Prince Harry has argued that it would not be safe to take his children to visit Britain without guaranteed police protection (images in Germany in September)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been invited to the Coronation, but the couple have not publicly announced if they plan to attend (file image from November 2019)

The duke insists his family needs round-the-clock protection, even though royal security is automatically in place for formal events, as well as at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

Figures obtained through the Freedom of Information Act have revealed that the court case, which has been ongoing since autumn 2021, has already cost the UK government £296,882 to defend.

The duke insists his family needs round-the-clock protection, even though royal security is automatically in place for formal events, as well as at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

John O’Connor, former Commandant of Scotland Yard, told the Sun: ‘Expecting protection provided by the state is arrogant and unreasonable.

Anyway, it’s just vanity. He only wants protection because he thinks his importance is degraded without it.