Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been named two of the most respected members of the royal family in a recent poll, offering a welcome boost to the couple’s public image.
Despite the controversy surrounding their departure from royal duties and criticism of the monarchy, younger generations appear to appreciate their candidness and advocacy.
A Tumultuous Journey
Since stepping back from royal life in March 2020 — a move widely known as “Megxit” — Harry and Meghan have been subject to intense media scrutiny.
Their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they spoke openly about their struggles within the royal institution, sparked global debate. Harry also took on a prominent role in the Apple TV+ docuseries The Me You Can’t See, which highlighted mental health issues and further challenged the traditional image of royal life.
The couple’s honesty and willingness to address topics like mental well-being have resonated with many — particularly young people.
A Special Tribute to Diana
In June 2021, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. Her name, a tribute to both Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana, sparked widespread attention and speculation even before her birth. Many royal watchers had hoped that the baby would arrive around the time of what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday on July 1.
On that day, Princes William and Harry are set to unveil a long-awaited statue of their mother at Kensington Palace — a project they announced in 2017 to honor her legacy. Originally intended for an earlier unveiling, the statue’s reveal was postponed and rescheduled for Diana’s milestone birthday.
Keeping Diana’s Legacy Alive
Both William and Harry have made it a priority to honor their late mother’s memory, not just symbolically but through meaningful charitable work. Mental health, in particular, has become a focus for both brothers, echoing Diana’s compassionate and hands-on approach to helping others.
Harry, now outside the confines of royal expectations, has leaned into this advocacy with a more unfiltered voice. Alongside his work with Apple TV+, he appeared on Dax Shepard’s *Armchair Expert* podcast, comparing life in the royal family to a mix of *The Truman Show* and living in a zoo.
Rising Popularity Among the Youth
Despite, or perhaps because of, their outspoken nature, Harry and Meghan have grown in popularity with younger audiences. A recent survey cited by *The Mirror* polled 1,000 teens and young adults, asking who they respected most in the royal family. While Queen Elizabeth retained the top position, Prince Harry came in second with 22% of the vote, and Meghan followed closely behind with 21%.
By comparison, Prince William and Kate Middleton received 10% and 11% respectively.
Dr. Nihara Krause, founder and CEO of mental health charity Stem4, weighed in on the results. “To earn the respect of young people today you don’t need to earn a fortune or have good looks,” she said. “It’s far more important that you show bravery, resilience, and compassion for others and for nature.”
She noted that these traits are reflected not only in the Queen but also in other admired public figures like David Attenborough and Marcus Rashford.
A New Kind of Royal Connection
While Harry and Meghan have faced backlash from traditional media and critics, they have also built a strong connection with a generation that values openness, vulnerability, and authenticity. In an age where social media encourages people to share their lives unfiltered, the Sussexes’ raw storytelling seems to strike a chord with young people who are eager for transparency and emotional honesty — even from royalty.
