The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have been residing in the United States since 2020, a move that coincided with their decision to step back from their roles as working members of the British royal family. This significant transition marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, where they aimed to carve out independent careers away from the monarchy. They ventured into various business agreements, including high-profile contracts with Netflix and Spotify, as part of their efforts to establish a new professional identity.
Despite these ambitious moves, the Sussexes’ journey in the United States has not been without its challenges. Their popularity, which was initially high, began to wane following their business ventures. The termination of their contract with Spotify, a major music streaming platform, was a notable setback. This decline in popularity suggests a disconnect between their public image and audience expectations or reception in the U.S.
One of the most talked-about aspects of their post-royal life has been Prince Harry’s autobiography, “The Spare.” The book achieved significant sales globally, indicating a continued public interest in the Prince and his narrative. However, the content of the autobiography stirred controversy and backlash. Harry’s candidness and revelations in the book, intended to provide a personal perspective, instead fueled further animosity among certain segments of readers. This reaction added to the already complex public sentiment towards the Sussexes.
In contrast, Prince William and Princess Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have experienced a surge in popularity, particularly in the United States. Royal editor Sarah Hewson notes a marked difference in public perception between the two couples. While Harry’s book presented a critical and somewhat resentful tone towards his brother and sister-in-law, it inadvertently led to increased sympathy and support for William and Catherine among the American public.
Hewson elaborates on the potential risks that William and Catherine faced regarding public perception in America, especially in light of Harry’s book. There was a concern that the revelations made by Prince Harry could tarnish their image or lead to a negative reaction from the American audience. Surprisingly, the opposite occurred. The public scrutiny and debate around Harry’s narrative seemed to have reinforced William and Catherine’s standing, painting them in a more favorable light.
Analysts observing this dynamic suggest that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have now reached a peak in their popularity in the United States. This rise is particularly significant given the context of the Sussexes’ diminishing favorability. The contrast between the two couples’ public images is stark, with the Cambridge’s appearing to benefit from a situation that was initially perceived as potentially damaging.
The narrative around the Sussexes and the Cambridge’s, as reported by outlets like Mirror, illustrates the complexities of public image and perception, especially for figures who are constantly under the media spotlight. The divergent paths of the two couples, both in terms of their professional choices and public reception, highlight the unpredictable nature of fame and public opinion, particularly in the context of former royal family members adapting to life outside the traditional bounds of monarchy.
