Prince Harry warned over 'rehabilitation' of his public image amid his 'new approach' after UK visit
It may take a "long time" to improve Harry's reputation in the UK, according to a commentator
Prince Harry has been praised for showing signs of a “new approach” during his recent trip to the UK, but one royal expert has warned that rehabilitating his public image will take time.
Speaking to Royal Insider, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said the Duke of Sussex’s approval ratings remain low.
This is despite Harry‘s efforts to reconnect with the public and refocus on causes close to his heart.
“The last poll rating for Prince Harry in YouGov was only 28 per cent,” Richard explained. “So rehabilitation, if that’s what he wants in the UK, will take a long time. Meghan’s ratings are terrible.”
Prince Harry ‘brought back memories’ during UK visit
Harry’s recent appearance at the WellChild Awards, an event he has supported for many years, struck a chord with royal watchers, potentially reminding them of the relatable and compassionate prince.
Richard added that Harry’s charitable appearances this week evoked memories of the “old Harry” the public was once so fond of.
“Seeing him interact with the children at the WellChild Awards brings back memories of the old Harry,” Richard said. “This is an excellent cause. As is Invictus, though he has lost Sentebale.”
The duke also made a surprise visit to Kyiv, where he met with wounded Ukrainian personnel. Richard called this move an “excellent idea”.
It is very welcome that this seems to signal a new approach from him.
“His visit to Kyiv to help wounded personnel was an excellent idea,” he noted. “The Sussexes’ new PR team are producing positive results.”
One of the most notable shifts, according to Richard, was Harry’s decision to avoid speaking publicly after his private meeting with King Charles during the trip. This was a contrast to his last UK visit 19 months ago.
“Unlike when he saw King Charles 19 months ago, he did not go on TV after their meeting,” he pointed out. “It is very welcome that this seems to signal a new approach from him.”
Harry and Meghan’s reputation in the UK
Despite these positive signals, Richard warned that Harry’s public image problem in the UK cannot be repaired overnight.
Years of controversy, including his and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, their headline-grabbing Oprah Winfrey interview, and Harry’s memoir Spare, have all left lasting impressions on the public.
At the same time, Meghan’s standing in Britain is still very poor. Recent polling indicates that the Duchess of Sussex continues to struggle to connect with the British public.
King Charles and Prince Harry’s meeting in London
Meanwhile, King Charles may soon reunite with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, following his surprise private meeting with Prince Harry.
The king has reportedly not seen his California-based grandchildren in over three years. It’s believed that Archie, now six, and Lilibet, four, last visited the UK in June 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee.
A royal source told the Daily Mail that the monarch will be eager to reconnect.
They claimed: “The king wants to be a grandfather to his grandchildren. He was so pleased when they came over for Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee, and he was able to spend some time with them.”
The insider added that Charles and Harry’s renewed contact could pave the way for a family visit.
The source said: “Maybe there is a way of getting them over to Balmoral or Sandringham next year. Or another royal residence where they are within the security perimeter.”
Read more: ‘Positive’ sign over Prince Harry and King Charles meeting that could lead to reconciliation
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