Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been making headlines ever since they decided to step back from their royal duties and move to California in 2020.
According to a report by Express, the couple have been pursuing various projects and causes that reflect their values and passions, such as mental health, environmentalism, social justice, and media diversity. They have also been using their platform to speak out about their personal experiences and challenges, including the racism and harassment they faced from the British press and some members of the royal family.
But how do they compare to Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who have remained loyal to the monarchy and continue to carry out their official roles and engagements? Which couple is more influential and popular, especially in the United States, where Harry and Meghan now reside?
According to a recent study by Brandwatch, a social media analytics company, Harry and Meghan are more influential than William and Kate, based on the volume and sentiment of online conversations about them.
The study analyzed over 100 million posts from January to October 2021, and found that Harry and Meghan generated over 26 million mentions, while William and Kate had only 8.5 million. The study also found that Harry and Meghan had a higher positive sentiment score (58%) than William and Kate (49%), indicating that more people expressed favorable opinions about them.
The study also ranked the most influential members of the royal family, based on the same criteria. Harry and Meghan came in second and third place, respectively, after Queen Elizabeth II, who topped the list with over 40 million mentions and a 66% positive sentiment score. William and Kate came in fourth and fifth place, respectively, followed by Prince Charles, who was sixth.
The results of the study suggest that Harry and Meghan have successfully established themselves as a global brand, with a strong appeal and relevance to the American audience.
They have also been able to leverage their celebrity status and connections to collaborate with influential figures and organizations, such as Oprah Winfrey, Barack and Michelle Obama, Spotify, Netflix, and Time magazine. They have also launched their own foundation, Archewell, which aims to “unleash the power of compassion to drive systemic cultural change.”
However, some experts and commentators have questioned the validity and significance of the study, arguing that online mentions do not necessarily reflect real influence or impact.
They have also pointed out that Harry and Meghan have faced a lot of criticism and controversy for some of their actions and statements, such as their explosive interview with Oprah, their lawsuit against the Mail on Sunday, and their involvement in the Afghanistan crisis. They have also been accused of being hypocritical, opportunistic, and disrespectful to the royal family and tradition.
On the other hand, William and Kate have been praised for their dedication and professionalism, as well as their ability to balance their royal duties and their family life. They have also been involved in various initiatives and causes, such as the Earthshot Prize, which aims to reward innovative solutions to the environmental challenges facing the planet. They have also maintained a positive and cordial relationship with the Queen and other senior royals, as well as the public and the media.
Therefore, it is not clear whether Harry and Meghan are truly more influential than William and Kate, or whether they are simply more controversial and divisive. It is also possible that the two couples have different kinds of influence and appeal, depending on the audience and the context. Ultimately, it may not be fair or productive to compare them, as they have chosen different paths and have different goals and visions for their future.
