Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing renewed criticism after a new poll revealed that a large majority of the British public opposes their use of royal titles for commercial purposes.
The survey, conducted among 2,000 adults in the UK, suggests that more than three in five respondents believe the Duke and Duchess of Sussex should not use their titles for financial or personal gain. When excluding those undecided, opposition rises to nearly four out of five.
The findings come shortly after the couple’s recent visit to Australia — a trip some critics described as resembling a “quasi-royal tour.” During the visit, Harry and Meghan combined charitable appearances with high-profile commercial activities, raising questions about whether they are benefiting financially from their royal status.
Reports suggest Meghan took part in a women-focused event in Sydney, where attendees paid significant sums for access, while Prince Harry appeared as a keynote speaker at a business conference with premium ticket prices. Supporters of the couple reportedly view the tour as a successful model for future engagements.
However, critics argue this approach echoes concerns once raised by Queen Elizabeth II, who insisted that members of the Royal Family could not balance official duties with private commercial ventures — a principle that played a key role in the couple’s departure from royal life.
The poll also highlighted broader scrutiny of the monarchy. A majority of respondents said Prince William should provide greater transparency about his personal finances, particularly regarding income from the Duchy of Cornwall. While the Prince is known to pay income tax voluntarily, the exact amount has not been publicly disclosed.
In addition, public opinion appears divided over an upcoming state visit by King Charles III to the United States. Less than half of those surveyed supported the trip going ahead, despite it being positioned as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties.
On another sensitive issue, respondents largely backed the decision that the King and Queen Camilla would not meet individuals linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case during the visit, citing concerns around ongoing investigations.
Overall, while King Charles continues to receive relatively positive approval ratings, the results suggest that public expectations around transparency and the use of royal status remain high — particularly when it comes to balancing tradition with modern public scrutiny.
