In a recent interview, Meghan Markle claimed that 60% of the British public want her and Prince Harry to return to the royal family.

The statement, made during what appears to be a high-profile sit-down conversation—possibly tied to ongoing promotions or personal reflections—has reignited fierce debate across media outlets, social platforms, and royal commentary circles. Coming at a time when Meghan’s favorability ratings in the UK have reportedly sunk to historic lows, the assertion stands in stark contrast to the bulk of recent polling data and public sentiment analysis. As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex navigate life post-royal duties from their Montecito base in California, this bold claim has prompted widespread scrutiny, skepticism, and polarized reactions.

Meghan’s assertion arrives amid persistent speculation about a potential UK return for the couple, particularly in light of Prince Harry’s ongoing security concerns and the one-year countdown to the next Invictus Games, which could draw him back to British soil. Reports from early 2026 suggested Meghan might accompany Harry for symbolic or family-related events, marking her first UK visit since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022. Yet sources close to the couple have emphasized that any such trip hinges on assurances of adequate protection, a point Harry has repeatedly stressed in legal battles and interviews.

The idea of a full reintegration into royal duties, however, remains far more contentious.

Recent YouGov polling conducted in January 2026 paints a dramatically different picture of public opinion. In surveys taken between January 8 and 9 among over 2,000 UK adults, Meghan’s favorability stood at just 19%, with 66% expressing an unfavorable view—a net approval rating of minus 47, marking her lowest recorded figures. Prince Harry fares somewhat better but still trails far behind active working royals like Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, who consistently top approval charts.

These numbers reflect a steady decline since the couple’s 2020 departure from senior royal roles, accelerated by revelations in Harry’s memoir Spare, the couple’s Netflix docuseries, and various media appearances that have been perceived by many in Britain as critical of the monarchy and the late Queen.

Historical polls tell a similar story. Back in 2020, around the time of the Sussexes’ initial step back, surveys showed majorities favoring the removal of their HRH titles or repayment of public funds spent on Frogmore Cottage renovations. More recent data from 2025 and early 2026 has reinforced this trend, with some commentators noting that Meghan’s ratings dip particularly sharply compared to Harry’s, often attributed to perceptions of her as the driving force behind public criticisms of the institution.

So where might the 60% figure originate? Without specific details from the interview—such as the outlet, date, or exact context—it’s challenging to pinpoint. It could stem from a misremembered or selectively interpreted poll, perhaps one focused on a narrower question like support for reconciliation efforts, family unity, or Harry’s charitable work rather than a full return to royal duties. Alternatively, it might reference an informal online survey, a non-representative sample, or even a claim unsubstantiated by mainstream polling firms like YouGov, Ipsos, or Statista.

Royal watchers have long noted discrepancies between the Sussexes’ self-perception of public support—Harry has previously insisted “the British public are on my side”—and empirical data showing otherwise.

The claim has drawn swift pushback. Conservative commentators and royal traditionalists dismissed it as “delusional” or “out of touch,” pointing to the Sussexes’ limited recent engagement with UK audiences and the backlash to their past projects. GB News contributors and others have argued that any reunion would face significant hurdles, not least because of strained family dynamics: King Charles has met granddaughter Princess Lilibet only once, and public narratives around the couple’s treatment of the late Queen and other royals continue to resonate negatively.

Progressive voices, meanwhile, have questioned whether reintegration would even be desirable, given the couple’s advocacy for mental health, racial justice, and personal autonomy—causes that often clash with traditional royal protocol.

For the Sussexes, such statements serve strategic purposes. Meghan’s interview appearance keeps them relevant in the cultural conversation, bolstering their Archewell Foundation initiatives, potential media ventures, and Harry’s Invictus platform. By framing public sentiment as supportive, they counter narratives of exile or rejection, positioning themselves as misunderstood figures whose talents could benefit the monarchy if welcomed back. Critics, however, see it as a miscalculation that further alienates the very audience they reference.

Broader implications loom for the monarchy itself. King Charles III, navigating health challenges and a slimmed-down institution, has prioritized stability with William and Kate at the forefront. Any suggestion of a Sussex comeback risks reopening old wounds, especially if perceived as an unsolicited bid for relevance. Polling consistently shows strong support for the core family—William and Kate often exceed 70-80% approval—while the Sussexes remain polarizing outliers.

As speculation swirls about future visits or reconciliations, Meghan’s 60% claim serves as a flashpoint. It highlights the gulf between Montecito optimism and British public opinion, where data-driven disapproval clashes with the couple’s narrative of enduring affection. Whether the figure holds any factual basis or represents aspirational rhetoric, it underscores the enduring fascination—and division—surrounding Harry and Meghan five years after their dramatic exit from royal life.

The interview’s full context may clarify the statistic’s origins, but for now, it fuels endless debate: Do most Britons truly yearn for the Sussexes’ return, or has the couple’s story become one of irreconcilable differences? In a monarchy adapting to modern scrutiny, the answer appears clear from the numbers, even if the Sussexes see a different reality.