16% of Brits want Harry and Meghan to return as working members of the royal family now they are back in the UK, YouGov poll reveals
A YouGov poll of 4,506 adults has found that only 16% of Britons want Prince Harry and Meghan to return as working members of the Royal Family, while 51% believe they should remain private citizens. The survey is the first major gauge of public opinion since Buckingham Palace confirmed, in a letter issued on King Charles's behalf, that the Sussexes remain "private citizens" rather than working royals, a distinction the couple's team has reportedly disputed, preferring instead to be described as "public figures".
The letter, written by the Lord Chamberlain, stated the Sussexes' position was "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests" and reaffirmed the terms of the 2020 "Sandringham Summit" agreement reached after Megxit. Sources close to Harry and Meghan claimed they were given little notice before the letter's release and were unable to clarify points in it, with Harry reportedly uncontactable at Tower Bridge Studios during the relevant window. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment further, regarding the letter as sufficient, while insiders suggested the couple's push to be seen as "public figures" underscores why a "half-in, half-out" royal role remains unworkable alongside their commercial interests.
- Only 16% of Britons want Harry and Meghan back as working royals
- 51% prefer they remain private citizens, YouGov poll shows
- Sussexes reportedly unhappy with Palace's "private citizens" label, prefer "public figures"