Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are seen more as celebrities than as members of the Royal Family, according to a new poll.
Pollsters Ipsos revealed a shift in the public opinion of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, four years after they quit working as members of the Royal family and moved to North America in 2020.
According to the poll, 60 per cent said the Duchess, formerly an actress, was more a celebrity than a Royal, while 40 per cent said the same for Harry. A further 21 per cent saw him more as a member of the Royal Family, while 20 per cent saw him as both.
The sample size of 1,091 people between the ages of 18 and 75 was taken between 20 and 21 January.
The Duke and Duchess are currently attending the seventh edition of the Invictus Games in Canada, which Harry founded in 2014, bringing together over 500 competitors from 23 nations.
Harry has already been caught dad-dancing, joking and hugging the competitors before delivering a heartfelt speech to open the ceremony.
Key Points
- WATCH: Prince Harry asked where his crown is at Invictus Games
- WATCH: The moment Prince Harry dances at The Invictus Games
- Trump rules out deporting Prince Harry: ‘He’s got enough problems with his wife’
- Why is Prince Harry’s US visa lawsuit set to reopen?
- King Charles pays tribute to Namibia's former president Sam Nujoma
Day 1 of Invictus Games recap: Harry talks about 'weak moral character in the world'
11:36
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Bryony Gooch
Prince Harry opened the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada, with a reflection on the state of the world right now with ‘no shortage of crises.
The Duke of Sussex said: “From the bid for the Games through to this week’s competition, we have walked together, side-by-side on this journey, and are so grateful to you for having these games on your land.”
He continued: “At this moment, when there is no shortage of crises, no absence of uncertainty, no lack of weak moral character in the world, the values you embody—the way you carry yourselves—not only at the Invictus Games, but each and every day… your courage, your resilience, your humanity… illuminate a path forward for us all. And for that, we thank you.”
King grants new Aga Khan title of ‘His Highness’
11:04
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Bryony Gooch
The King has granted the new Aga Khan the title “His Highness”, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Charles is continuing a long-standing royal tradition of bestowing the title on the spiritual leader of the world’s millions of Ismaili Muslims.
Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, 53, was named as the Aga Khan V following the death of his father Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV, at the age of 88 last week.
The late Aga Khan was given the title of “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth II in July 1957, two weeks after his grandfather unexpectedly made him heir to the family’s 1,300-year dynasty as leader of the Ismaili Muslim sect.
The King was left deeply saddened over the death of the late Aga Khan, who died on 4 February.
The billionaire philanthropist was a personal friend of both Charles and Queen Elizabeth II for many years.
The moment a Team GB competitor proposes to his girlfriend at the Invictus Games
10:46
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Bryony Gooch
What a moment the #InvictusGames starts with a wedding proposal ❤️#TeamUK’s James Cairns asks his girlfriend to marry him following his game in the wheelchair basketball #IG25 #InvictusGames2025 pic.twitter.com/ZlkldslXZL
— BFBS Forces News (@ForcesNews) February 9, 2025
Dear Kate, you are wrong – it would be sexist not to ask about your clothes
10:33
,
Bryony Gooch
Prince Harry caught on moose cam
10:14
,
Bryony Gooch
Prince Harry and Meghan on the MooseCam. #InvictusGames2025 pic.twitter.com/89MRCxy5a9
— ChrisBaronSmith (@ChrisBaronSmit1) February 10, 2025
WATCH: Prince Harry asked where his crown is at Invictus Games
10:02
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Bryony Gooch
Prince Andrew sought £2.5bn with help from alleged spy
09:39
,
Bryony Gooch
Prince Andrew sought secret advice from senior Chinese Communist officials as he tried to raise £2.5billion for his company, documents have revealed.
The duke planned to “leverage the role of the royal family” to raise the money for his now-aborted Pitch@Palace entrepreneurs’ scheme in China, according to The Times.
It comes after Andrew’s close confidant Yang Tengbo was removed from the UK on national security grounds after it was alleged he was a Chinese spy.
Alexander Butler reports:
In pictures: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spotted enjoying the Games
09:18
,
Bryony Gooch
WATCH: The moment Prince Harry dances at The Invictus Games
09:02
,
Bryony Gooch
Prince Harry asked: 'Where is your crown?' at Invictus Games
08:41
,
Bryony Gooch
Prince Harry seemed to be in good spirits as he was asked by a competitor: “where is your crown?” at the Invictus Games.
The Duke of Sussex laughed off the question as he warmly greeted members of Ukraine’s team and took selfies with them.
Inside Prince Harry's visa battle
08:24
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Bryony Gooch
Five months after the matter was seemingly closed, a lawsuit fighting to make Prince Harry’s private US visa records public will reopen in court on Wednesday.
The Duke of Sussex admitted he had previously taken drugs during his teenage years in his 2023 book, Spare, prompting a right-wing US think tank to suggest he had lied on his documentation or could have been given special treatment by Joe Biden’s administration.
The Heritage Foundation launched a legal battle against Department for Homeland Security (DHS) after a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain his application was rejected, with the think tank claiming it was of “immense public interest”.
In September 2024, the case was closed when a judge ruled that Harry’s application would remain private, as he had a “legitimate privacy interest in his immigration status”.
But on Wednesday, the case will be reopened in a federal court in Washington D.C - months after the now-president Donald Trump said he “wouldn’t protect” the duke.
Athena Stavrou reports:
King Charles pays tribute to Namibia's former president Sam Nujoma
08:19
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Bryony Gooch
The King has led tributes to Namibia’s former president Sam Nujoma, who has died aged 95, describing the politician and his dedication to democracy as “truly inspirational”.
Mr Nujoma, who led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years, died on Saturday, the current Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba announced.
In a statement released on Sunday evening, Charles said: “My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the death of former President Sam Nujoma today.
“President Nujoma’s contribution to history was immense, through his leadership of the long struggle for independence, and his subsequent service of 15 years as the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia.”
The King said Namibia is a valued member of the Commonwealth and reflected on a visit his mother Queen Elizabeth II made to the country in 1991.
“I recall with particular gratitude how much Her late Majesty The Queen enjoyed Her State Visit to Namibia in 1991, hosted so graciously by President Nujoma,” Charles said.
“His lifelong commitment to freedom and democracy, overcoming so much adversity on that journey, was truly inspirational.
“It is a testament to the legacy of Dr Nujoma that the Republic of Namibia, as a valued member of the Commonwealth of Nations, still maintains and embodies the values of peace and democracy which its Founding President so keenly promoted and protected.
“Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with the former First Lady, Kovambo Nujoma, their family and the people of the Republic of Namibia at this dreadfully sad time.”
Tom Watling reports:
In pictures: The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visit Nepal
07:58
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Bryony Gooch
WATCH: The moment Prince Harry receives a pair of budgie smugglers from Team Australia
07:27
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Bryony Gooch
Prince Harry continued a long-standing tradition as he accepted a pair of budgie smugglers from Team Australia at the 2025 Invictus Games.
Charles to meet Pope in Italy visit as King continues cancer treatment
07:00
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Tom Watling
King Charles to star in new Prime Video documentary
06:00
,
Tom Watling
Princess of Wales wants public to focus on her work - not her wardrobe
05:00
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Tom Watling
Kemi Badenoch to meet King Charles in revived royal practice
04:00
,
Tom Watling
Prince Louis takes new photo of Kate for World Cancer Day
03:00
,
Tom Watling
William speaks about grief on visit to charity with links to Diana
02:00
,
Tom Watling
Meghan thanks Billie Eilish for heartfelt gift to LA wildfire victim
01:00
,
Tom Watling
Meghan sends message to Billie Eilish in emotional Instagram video
00:00
,
Tom Watling
Prince Harry photobombs Meghan and Nelly Furtado’s Invictus selfie
Sunday 9 February 2025 23:00
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Tom Watling
Prince Andrew School changes name to drop ‘controversial ties’
Sunday 9 February 2025 22:02
,
Tom Watling
Why is Prince Harry’s US visa lawsuit set to reopen?
Sunday 9 February 2025 21:07
,
Tom Watling
Charles to meet Pope Francis in Italy visit as King continues cancer treatment
Sunday 9 February 2025 20:00
,
Tom Watling
William speaks about grief on visit to charity with links to Diana
Sunday 9 February 2025 19:03
,
Athena Stavrou
The Prince of Wales has opened up about his “most painful experience” on a visit to a bereavement charity close to Princess Diana’s heart.
Prince William, 42, spoke to teenagers in Widnes, Cheshire, on Wednesday to see the work done by Child Bereavement UK, of which he has been a patron since 2009.
The charity, which provides free, confidential bereavement support for children and young people, as well as families where a child has died, was launched in 1994 with support from William’s mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
William - who lost his mother in 1997 when he was just 15 - spoke to young people about how they were dealing with grief.
Read the full story:
The Invictus Games 'kiss tradition'
Sunday 9 February 2025 18:05
,
Barney Davis
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have publicly displayed their relationship with another kiss at an opening event for the Invictus Games.
It is the latest in a long line of royal snogs captured on camera at the event.
Introducing Harry Meghan told the crowd: "It means so much to him. You are his family, just as we are his family, and I hope you recognise how much of his heart he has poured into every single thing that has gotten all of you to this week, which is going to be spectacular.
"I need you to know how much it means to him and how much each of you means to him," adding that her "sweet children", Archie and Lilibet, are "cheering [everyone] on from California."
Invictus Games kiss tradition pic.twitter.com/uckWV8HCag
— (@leaunji) February 8, 2025
Why Prince Harry’s visa case is back in court, and will he be deported from Trump’s America?
Sunday 9 February 2025 17:15
,
Alexander Butler
Golf carts, hugs and dodgy dancing: Meghan Markle shares behind the scenes takes of the Invictus Games opening ceremony
Sunday 9 February 2025 16:00
,
Barney Davis
Meghan Markle just dropped gems on her Instagram Stories, capturing unforgettable moments from the Invictus Games! #InvictusGames2025 pic.twitter.com/y6XA8ETzXF
— Feminegra (@feminegra) February 8, 2025
Prince Harry kicks off ice hockey match
Sunday 9 February 2025 14:40
,
Barney Davis
Prince Harry was getting into the Canadian way of life - dropping off an ice puck at an ice hockey game moments after opening the Invictus Games.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out in Vancouver to attend the Vancouver Canucks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game
Prince Harry, 40, made the ceremonial puck drop while joined on the ice by Canadian Invictus team members, Lee Jarratt and Andre Crocker.
Meghan, 43, and Harry were then spotted in the stands at the Rogers Arena snuggling up together as they watched the game.
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh cheered on last day of Nepal tour
Sunday 9 February 2025 14:07
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh received a rapturous welcome from a Nepali hillside village on the last day of their tour.
After spending Saturday trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area, the royal couple spent the night in Ghandruk – a rural village overlooking the Himalayas, with a strong history of producing Gurkha recruits.
Making their way down stone steps to a square, Edward and Sophie were greeted by colourfully dressed villagers carrying flowers and adorning them with yellow garlands as they went.
The pair made their way under a floral arch with a sign saying: “Welcome to Ghandruk TRHs the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.”
They were greeted with a traditional welcome ceremony, which included the presentation of Khadas scarves by the principal of a local school while a musical band played.
The couple were given traditional garments – Sophie wore a ghalek, while Edward was given the male equivalent, known as a bhangra.
They were presented with framed pictures of the mountains as “a token of love from Annapurna municipal principality”.
Sitting behind a decorated table flanked by guests including Lieutenant Colonel Rajesh Gurung – the most senior Nepali Gurkha officer, who is from Ghandruk – Edward and Sophie clapped along to a performance of traditional Gurung dance performed by a local youth club.
Prince Harry hilariously photobombs Nelly Furtado and Meghan Markle's selfie
Sunday 9 February 2025 13:07
,
Barney Davis
The Duchess of Sussex joined Canadian singer Nelly Furtado for a selfie video as the pair celebrated the opening of the Invictus Games in Canada.
Furtado shared a clip on Instagram of her posing alongside Meghan backstage at the Games’ opening ceremony, with the Duke of Sussex appearing to surprise them as he photobombed the clip midway through.
The singer was among the musical stars who helped launch the seventh edition of the Games on Saturday with a motivational performance at the BC Place in Vancouver.
Alongside the video, Furtado wrote “they’re beautiful, that’s for sure”, referencing the lyrics of her hit I’m Like A Bird which also played with the clip.
Prince Harry addresses Invictus crowds with heartfelt speech
Sunday 9 February 2025 12:00
,
Barney Davis
Prince Harry spoke of his own privilege serving in the British Army as he spoke of his inspiration behind establishing the Invictus Games in the opening ceremony.
He said in his opening speech: "Beyond any differences, here at the Invictus Games we are grounded in mutual respect, competing fiercely, but believing in one another. Supporting one another. And rooting for one another.
"The Games were born more than a decade ago, from a promise I made to myself. A promise to uphold my obligation—a sacred obligation after my own decade and privilege of military service —to do whatever I could to help my fellow brothers and sisters heal, and to champion everything we stand for.
He addressed veterans, adding: "Over the past decade I’ve lost count of the times we’ve heard you tell us that the Invictus Games saved you. Respectfully, I disagree. Invictus didn’t save you. You saved yourself. It was you, who pushed through the doubt and despair.”
Highlights from day one of Prince Harry's Invictus Games
Sunday 9 February 2025 11:01
,
Barney Davis
