Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have recently been recognized as two of the most admired figures within the royal family, according to a new poll—an encouraging shift for the couple’s public image.
Although their decision to step back from royal responsibilities and their criticisms of the monarchy stirred considerable controversy, it seems their openness and advocacy have resonated with younger people.
Navigating a Stormy Path
Since officially stepping away from royal duties in March 2020—a decision famously dubbed “Megxit”—the couple has faced relentless media scrutiny.
Their candid 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they detailed personal challenges within the royal establishment, sparked global conversations.
Prince Harry later featured in Apple TV+’s The Me You Can’t See, a docuseries focused on mental health that further challenged conventional views of royal life.
Their willingness to speak openly about emotional struggles has struck a chord with many, particularly among younger audiences.
Honoring Princess Diana
In June 2021, Harry and Meghan welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.
Her name pays homage to both Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana, drawing significant public attention and speculation even before her birth.
Many royal watchers had hoped her arrival might coincide with what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday on July 1.
On that day, Princes William and Harry are scheduled to unveil a statue of their mother at Kensington Palace—an initiative first announced in 2017 to commemorate Diana’s legacy.
The project had been delayed, but was ultimately aligned with this meaningful anniversary.
Continuing Diana’s Work
Both William and Harry have been committed to preserving their mother’s legacy not only through symbolism but also through meaningful philanthropic efforts.
Mental health advocacy, in particular, has become a central focus for both brothers, reflecting Diana’s compassionate and hands-on approach.
Freed from royal protocol, Harry has embraced a more direct and personal approach to his advocacy.
In addition to his work on the Apple TV+ series, he appeared on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, where he likened royal life to The Truman Show and a zoo.
Resonating with the Younger Generation
Harry and Meghan’s outspokenness appears to have increased their popularity among the youth.
A recent poll highlighted by The Mirror surveyed 1,000 teenagers and young adults on which royal family members they most respect.
While Queen Elizabeth topped the list, Prince Harry ranked second with 22% of the vote, closely followed by Meghan at 21%.
In contrast, Prince William and Kate Middleton garnered just 10% and 11%, respectively.
Dr. Nihara Krause, founder and CEO of the mental health charity Stem4, offered insights into the findings.
She emphasized that modern youth value qualities like courage, resilience, and empathy over wealth or appearance.
These qualities, she said, are evident in respected figures such as the Queen, David Attenborough, and Marcus Rashford—as well as in Harry and Meghan.
Redefining the Royal Relationship
Despite criticism from traditionalists and the media, Harry and Meghan have fostered a strong rapport with a generation that values transparency and emotional authenticity.
In a time where social media encourages vulnerability and openness, the couple’s unfiltered storytelling has found an appreciative audience in younger people seeking honesty, even from royalty.
