British public turn against Meghan Markle and Prince Harry after racism claims

For the first time, a larger proportion of British people view the Duke of Sussex negatively, a new poll shows, while the duchess’ popularity continues to fall

Perception of Prince Charles was also hit, after Prince Harry said his father at one point stopped taking his calls

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Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are interviewed by US television host Oprah Winfrey. Photo: Harpo Productions via AP

Published: 3:58am, 13 Mar 2021Updated: 8:11pm, 13 Mar 2021

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have seen their popularity fall sharply in Britain after an explosive interview in which they accused the royal family of racism, a poll suggested on Friday.

More than 11 million people in Britain, and 50 million in the United States watched the couple say that an unnamed royal had asked how dark their baby’s skin would be.

The allegations, which the royal family said would be investigated, have plunged the monarchy into its biggest crisis since the death of Harry’s mother, Diana, in 1997.

But the controversy has also polarised opinion on both sides of the Atlantic.

A YouGov poll said Harry’s popularity rating has fallen to 44 per cent and for the first time, a larger proportion of British people view him negatively (48 per cent).

The front pages of some British newspapers are seen in London on Wednesday. Photo: EPA-EFE

In a poll early this month, in anticipation of the interview, 53 per cent of the public said they viewed the Duke of Sussex positively.

Meghan already had a net negative rating, which has now risen to 58 per cent from 53 per cent, but only three in 10 (31 per cent) view her positively, down from 38 per cent.