Meghan Markle has been dealt a brutal reality check after a new poll revealed overwhelming opposition to the Duchess making solo trips back to the UK.
The findings come just days after Prince Harry’s latest visit to Britain appeared to boost his public image, with the Duke presenting a more relaxed and light-hearted side that reminded many royal watchers of his younger years.
Attention has now turned to whether any of that renewed goodwill could extend to Meghan, who had been expected to join Harry for public appearances before plans changed following the rejection of his bid for taxpayer-funded police protection for his family.
A recent Daily Express poll asked readers whether the 44-year-old former Suits actress should make solo trips to the UK in an attempt to repair her public image.
The public was able to cast their votes from 10am on July 21 to 11am on July 22, with the final results serving Meghan a brutal, yet not unexpected, blow.
Voting was open from 10am on July 21 until 11am on July 22, with the final result delivering another significant blow for the Duchess.
A total of 3,557 people voted “no”, while just 51 people supported the idea.
The poll comes amid growing speculation the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are exploring a pathway back to Britain after stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
A close friend of Harry recently told the Daily Mail’s Alison Boshoff that the Montecito-based couple now feel “unwelcome” in America and are planning to reverse Megxit.
“There is definitely a feeling in his camp that he has started to feel a bit unwelcome in America,” the source said.
Royal author Phil Dampier echoed this sentiment, writing in The Sun that the couple know their time is up in the US and need the monarchy to have chance of future success.
“Some believe Harry and Meghan are trying to get back into the royal family and plan to return here because their star has fallen in the US and they need the magic of the monarchy to boost their status and pulling power,” Dampier said.
Dampier also revealed that a source close to Meghan believes the UK public is mostly displeased that the Hollywood actress pulled Harry away.
“Most people in the UK are fair and reasonable. They are, but many will still not forgive her for her role in taking Harry away and disrespecting the royals,” Dampier said.
“That has been an increasing and significant shift in sentiment, a feeling that the American dream might not be all that it was cracked up to be,” the source added.
“I am told that this is coming from Meghan as well as from him.
“I hear that Meghan is all for rekindling with and reconnecting with Harry’s English side. She is fully behind it.”
A source close to the Sussexes also claimed the visit renewed the Duke’s longing for royal life, following his recent trip to the UK, which saw him reunite with his estranged father King Charles.
The insider said Harry longs to share his former life with his growing children and wants to see his father, with whom he has shared a complicated relationship since the death of his mother, Princess Diana, through the eyes of his children.
“Harry came away from that visit with a renewed sense of what he misses – seeing his father as a grandfather, watching his children explore a place that is part of their heritage,” the insider said as reported by Radar Online.
“It has made him more determined to find a way back, at least part-time.”
The insider added that Harry does not wish to abandon his newly built life in the United States, but instead hopes to maintain his royal status while resuming some working engagements in the UK.
“He believes there must be a workable arrangement where he can be present in the UK with proper security while continuing the life he has built in the United States. In his mind, it does not have to be all or nothing.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.skynews.com.au ’
