Prince Harry suffers blow as Duke of Sussex’s US support collapses

Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 19/11/2025

- 14:10

The Sussexes have struggled to establish a fresh public identity

Prince Harry's American popularity has collapsed to its lowest recorded level, with just 38 per cent of US adults expressing support for the Duke of Sussex in 2025.

The dramatic 14-point decline from the beginning of the year represents the steepest fall in his transatlantic appeal since tracking began.


YouGov Ratings data covering July through September reveals that whilst 50 per cent of Americans viewed Harry favourably at the year's start, this figure has now plummeted.

The polling organisation's unconventional methodology, which aggregates responses throughout the year into quarterly results, shows 21 per cent now actively dislike him.

Prince Harry

Prince Harry suffers blow as Duke of Sussex’s US support collapses

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GETTY

This marks the smallest proportion of American supporters in YouGov's historical data stretching back to October 2020, signalling a significant erosion of the duke's once-strong US fanbase.

The Sussexes have struggled to establish a fresh public identity following their decision to cease public criticism of the Royal Family, which concluded with the publication of Harry's memoir "Spare" in January 2023.

Both have pursued independent projects since then, yet neither has successfully cultivated a strong connection with American audiences.

Meghan's approval ratings experienced an even sharper decline than her husband's during 2025's first half, plummeting 18 points to leave her with a net rating of just plus four by July.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appearing at a charity gala in California earlier this month

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GETTY

Recent months have seen her fortunes improve, however, with an 11-point recovery bringing her to plus 15.

Despite this rebound, the Duchess remains less popular than Harry amongst Americans overall.

Her improving trajectory contrasts sharply with the Duke's continuing downward slide in public opinion.

The Duke's legal battle to restore police protection during UK visits suffered a setback in May when courts ruled against his challenge to the British Government.

Prince Harry and Meghan MarkleHarry and Meghan live in Montecito, California in the US | GETTY

Harry maintains that without official security, bringing Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to Britain remains unsafe.

Following the defeat, Harry gave a BBC interview where he addressed his father's role in the dispute: "I never asked him to intervene—I asked him to step out of the way and let the experts do their jobs."

The security issue has dominated much of Harry's 2025, as he continues to argue that his family cannot safely visit his homeland without the police protection he lost after stepping back from royal duties.

Harry's September return to Britain included his first encounter with King Charles III since February 2024, shortly after the monarch's cancer diagnosis was announced.

King Charles and Prince HarryKing Charles and Prince Harry have a strained relationship | GETTY

The meeting, during which Harry visited several UK charities, received positive coverage in British media and appeared to signal improved relations between father and son.

However, subsequent UK newspaper reports characterised the reunion as excessively formal and "like an official visit," prompting a forceful response from Harry's spokesman.

They told GB News: "Recent reporting of The Duke's view of the tone of the meeting, is categorically false.

"The quotes attributed to him are pure invention fed, one can only assume, by sources intent on sabotaging any reconciliation between father and son."

The spokesman confirmed that gifts were exchanged, including a framed photograph, though he specified the image did not feature the Duke and Duchess.