Meghan Markle and Prince Harry‘s public standing in the UK has seemingly fallen to a historic low, with one royal commentator claiming Brits particularly “loathe” the Duchess.
The picture isn’t much brighter in the U.S., where a recent poll also showed Meghan’s favorability has dropped sharply compared to last year.
Experts say the couple’s long-running struggle with consistency continues to undermine their image, arguing that even a carefully managed recent visit to the UK does little to shift public perception.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have seemingly continued their years-long slide in public opinion, with reports suggesting their approval ratings in the UK are now “in the toilet.”
Speaking during an appearance with Sky News host Danica De Giorgio, royal columnist Maureen Callahan addressed speculation that the former “Suits” actress could be open to spending time in the UK as talk of a possible reconciliation with the royal family continues.
Callahan dismissed the idea, arguing that Meghan is “so loathed” in Harry’s home country that she would have little desire to live there, even part-time, especially with the couple’s approval ratings among Britons reportedly at an all-time low.
“I find it hard to believe that Meghan would really consider living in the UK, even part-time,” she said. “She is so loathed there, and she knows it. Their approval numbers are in the toilet.”
Experts Say Inconsistency Continues To Hurt Sussexes
Callahan’s comments align with recent polling in both the UK and the US, which suggests the Sussexes remain unpopular on both sides of the Atlantic, a trend that has persisted since they stepped back from royal duties.
A May YouGov poll found Harry’s approval rating at 33% in the UK, while Meghan’s stood at 22%, placing her only slightly ahead of Prince Andrew, according to The Express.
The outlook is similarly bleak in the U.S. June YouGov tracking showed negative sentiment toward the Sussexes has solidified into a clear majority, with Meghan’s favorability dropping to 27%, a notable decline from 2025.
PR expert Renae Smith told the outlet that the couple’s biggest obstacle is their inability to maintain a consistent public image, adding that their recent UK visit was unlikely to change public opinion.
“Reputations are rebuilt through repeated behavior over long periods of time, not one well-managed visit,” Smith said. “The challenge for Harry and Meghan has always been consistency.”
Harry And Meghan Markle’s Return To Britain Raises New Questions
Callahan made the remarks while discussing Harry’s reported determination to repair relations with the royal family after he and other senior royals, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, met during his recent visit to the UK.
The trip came after weeks of controversy surrounding Harry’s unsuccessful bid for armed police protection. It also followed reports that he missed out on a Buckingham Palace accommodation offer after allegedly failing to confirm his stay in time.
Harry initially traveled alone, with Meghan and their children joining him later. However, the Duchess remained almost entirely out of the public eye, making no appearances and avoiding photographers throughout the visit.
According to Callahan, that effectively “nullifies” the couple’s longstanding argument that they cannot safely travel to Britain because of intense media attention and security concerns.
Royal Briefings Fuel Marriage Rumors
Citing well-placed sources, the host of “The Nerve with Maureen Callahan” suggested there may be growing strain within the Sussexes’ marriage, driven by financial pressures and a changing approach toward the royal family.
She pointed to the contrasting briefings emerging from Harry’s and Meghan’s respective camps, describing the differences as “significant” given the implications for the Duke’s possible return to the royal fold.
Callahan also referenced reporting from PEOPLE, which claimed the Duchess has “always let Harry take the lead on the royal family” and remains supportive of him rebuilding his relationship with his relatives.
At the same time, reports attributed to Harry’s camp suggest that while he was once happy to let Meghan take the lead, “the veil has been lifted,” according to the Daily Mail.
Royal Reunion Could Come Without Meghan Markle
Callahan also argued that the Sussexes’ marriage has increasingly become “a brand,” adding that “karma is coming around for them” following the disappointing performance of several of their recent business ventures.
She also pointed to mounting financial pressures, including the costs of maintaining their Montecito home, paying staff, funding private security, and supporting their family’s lifestyle.
Adding to those challenges, Harry and several co-claimants recently lost their legal case against Associated Newspapers Limited, publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. According to reports, the group could collectively face tens of millions of dollars in legal costs and potential damages.
Given those pressures, Callahan suggested Harry has little choice but to pursue reconciliation with his family. However, she claimed Buckingham Palace insiders believe there may only be one path back… and that it could be without Meghan.