Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s popularity depends on these two things as A-list support is slim: expert

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s popularity may seem to be at an all-time low in the UK at the moment — but according to a prominent royal commentator, the pair have a shot at repairing their image.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sensationally turned their back on the royal family soon after quitting palace life in 2020.

Since then, they’ve only returned to Harry’s home turf a couple of times.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attending the 2024 ESPY Awards in Dolby Theatre, Hollywood.4
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have a shot at rejoining the Firm, according to a royal commentator. Getty Images for W+P
But according to royal expert and commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, the duo have a good shot at boosting their popularity if they do two things in particular.

“Much depends on Meghan’s cookery program for Netflix and how well American Riviera Orchard, her lifestyle brand, actually does,” Fitzwilliams told the Mirror of the “Suits” alum’s new business ventures.

“Meanwhile, it seems most unlikely that more awards will come Harry’s way anytime soon.”

Fitzwilliams added that the pair’s A-list roster of friends “who openly support them” could play a key part in fixing their public image.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, greeting members of the public outside Windsor Castle, England.4
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (center right) sensationally turned their back on the royal family soon after quitting palace life in 2020. Getty Images
Still, some of the couple’s famous pals may do more harm than good in upping their popularity.

“Nacho Figueras is a friend of Harry’s, and will appear in Harry’s series on polo for Netflix,” the royal expert said. “Yet this is an elitist sport and unlikely to draw a large number of viewers.”

“Harry has, of course, outstanding legal issues over security and with the press which he intends to pursue in Britain but this is surely not destined to be his main claim to fame in the future.”

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, attending the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023.4
The pair’s A-list roster of friends “who openly support them” could play a key part in boosting their image, the royal expert added. Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation
In addition to Figueras and his model wife, Delfina Blaquier, the pair boast close friendships with tennis legend Serena Williams, reality star and “momager” Kris Jenner, Mindy Kaling, Tracee Ellis Ross, Ellen DeGeneres and more.

The duo struck up a slew of high-profile friendships after moving to Montecito, California, four years ago.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kissing while Meghan presents a trophy to Prince Harry’s polo team at the 2024 Royal Salute Polo Challenge, Florida4
The duo struck up a slew of high-profile friendships after moving to Montecito, California, four years ago. AP
Simultaneously, they launched several attacks on Harry’s estranged relatives, causing a major rift between them and the Windsor clan.

The duo went on to sign on the dotted line for a series of tell-all projects, each of which revealed bombshell details about life in the palace.

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After sitting down for an interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Sussexes went on to release their six-part Netflix documentary, as well as Harry’s protocol-shattering memoir, “Spare.