Prince Harry: Navigating Controversy and New Directions in 2025

Prince Harry’s Changing Public Image

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, continues to capture global attention as he navigates life outside the traditional royal framework. Recent developments in 2025 have highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing the younger son of King Charles III as he builds a new life in North America.

Declining US Popularity and Public Perception

Prince Harry has dropped 14 points in his U.S. popularity rating in 2025, bringing the size of his fan base down to its lowest ever level in one particular ratings system. The Duke of Sussex was liked by 38 percent of Americans and disliked by 21 percent giving him a net approval rating of plus 17, across July, August and September, according to rolling quarterly data from YouGov Ratings. This represents a significant shift in public sentiment, though his wife Meghan Markle has shown signs of recovery in more recent polling.

Controversial Trump Comments Spark Backlash

In early December, Prince Harry made a surprise appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday night in which he took his most direct swipe at President Donald Trump in years. During the segment, Harry replied “I heard you elected a king” when discussing American attitudes toward royalty. By taking potshots at a sitting U.S. president, Harry has potentially put his father, King Charles, in a diplomatic bind but given future King William more reason to remove his royal titles, expert says.

Strengthening Canadian Connections

Despite controversy, Harry appears to be stepping up his love affair with the Canucks after hosting the Invictus Games in Vancouver in February, paying tribute to war dead for remembrance in November and some very public support for the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series. Prince Harry is due to speak at a $200-a-head summit on real-estate policy in Canada, demonstrating his expanding engagement with the country where he and Meghan briefly lived during their royal transition.

Looking Forward: Significance for Readers

Prince Harry’s journey reflects broader questions about modern royalty, celebrity, and public service. The other major issue dominating Harry’s year has been his lawsuit against the British Government aimed to getting back his police protection officers during visits to the U.K. As he continues to chart his own path, balancing royal heritage with American independence, his story resonates with audiences on both sides of the Atlantic who are watching to see whether he can successfully reinvent himself while maintaining his relevance and impact.