Immense rise in support for Prince Harry permanently returning to Royal duties - but 60 per cent are still opposed to or undecided about the Duke of Sussex's comeback, poll finds

The new poll from The Mail on Sunday shows a notable shift in public sentiment towards Prince Harry, with 34% of Britons now in favor of him returning to royal duties on a permanent basis. This marks a significant increase from 25% in March, reflecting a 36% rise in support over the past six months.

A third of Britons would support Prince Harry returning to Royal duties on a permanent basis, an exclusive poll for The Mail on Sunday has revealed

The growing backing suggests that Prince Harry's more conciliatory approach towards the Royal Family in recent months may be positively impacting public opinion. His efforts to reconnect with the family and avoid further public controversy, along with his continued work on initiatives like the Invictus Games, seem to be resonating with more people in Britain.

While more than 60 per cent of the public are still opposed to or undecided about a comeback, Prince Harry has seen his backing grow from 25 per cent in March to 34 per cent this month, according to Ipsos

However, it's important to note that over 60% of the public are either opposed to or undecided about a possible royal comeback, indicating that while Harry is gaining support, the majority remains cautious or uncertain.

Prince Harry's recent low-key visits to the UK, including attending the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in May and his uncle Lord Robert Fellowes’s memorial service in August, have contributed to a shift in public perception. These visits were conducted without controversy, which, coupled with his decision not to release updated revelations in the paperback edition of his memoir Spare, is being interpreted as an olive branch to the Royal Family.

Royal author Margaret Holder has remarked that Harry's departure from the "grievance industry" has helped soften his public image. His continued focus on positive causes, such as the Invictus Games, and his tours to countries like Nigeria and Colombia, appear to have been well received by the public. While he has yet to issue any public apology for his previous criticisms of the Royal Family, Harry's more measured approach is being noted.

Additionally, The Mail on Sunday revealed that Harry has been seeking advice from former friends and aides in Britain as he looks to visit the UK more frequently. These brainstorming sessions, aimed at fostering "positive change" in his life, indicate a desire for reconciliation and rebuilding his public image while balancing his commitments in the UK and California.

Prince Harry has been engaging in long-distance conversations from his home in California to lay the groundwork for future "big plans" aimed at improving his public image and potentially reintegrating with the Royal Family. One of his key contacts in these discussions is Nick Loughran, a former senior media adviser at Kensington Palace and a close associate of Harry's friend, Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster.

Loughran, whose wife works for the Sussexes' Archewell Foundation, has remained in touch with Harry since they met in May during one of the Duke's visits to the UK. Their continued communication indicates that Harry is actively seeking guidance as he navigates a path towards rebuilding his public standing, all while maintaining a careful balance between his life in the US and his connections back in Britain.

Nick Loughran, while offering informal guidance to Prince Harry, is reportedly careful not to take sides in the ongoing tension between Harry and his brother, Prince William. Loughran is believed to have played a crucial role in the decision for Harry not to attend the Duke of Westminster's wedding in June, thereby allowing William to fulfill his role as an usher without the risk of the brothers' strained relationship overshadowing the event.

According to a well-placed source, Harry values Loughran's guidance on "forward-looking, positive stuff," suggesting that Harry is focused on building a more constructive and hopeful future rather than dwelling on past conflicts. This approach, combined with his ongoing efforts to repair his image, indicates that Harry is actively seeking ways to reconnect with the public and his former royal life in a more positive light.

Prince Harry continues to stay in touch with key figures from his past, including Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, a former equerry to the Queen Mother and a long-serving private secretary to both Prince William and Harry from 2005 to 2013. Harry also remains connected to Ed Lane Fox, a former royal advisor who was instrumental in helping him recover his public image in 2012 after the scandal involving leaked naked photos.

These ongoing connections, according to a source, suggest that Harry is "re-engaging in his former life." With the support of his old advisors and confidants, he appears to be seeking a path toward repairing relationships and reviving his public role. The source emphasized that "the ball is in Harry's court now," indicating that Harry has opportunities to shape his future, both in the UK and with the Royal Family, should he choose to pursue them.

As Harry celebrated his 40th birthday at home in California, he also inherited a multi-million pound windfall from the Queen Mother, further solidifying his financial independence as he navigates his next steps.

The poll reveals that public opinion on the wider Royal Family has remained largely stable since April, with 56% of respondents believing that King Charles is doing a good job. While this figure is unchanged from earlier in the year, biographer Hugo Vickers expressed mild surprise that the King’s approval rating isn't higher, given the challenges he's faced, including his health, and the dedication he's shown to his duties.

The survey, which included 1,097 British adults from September 6 to 9, highlights that the Princess of Wales remains the most popular member of the Royal Family, with 66% of the public holding a favorable view of her. Close behind is the Prince of Wales at 65%. Princess Anne continues to enjoy strong support as well, with 62% of the public expressing a positive view of her. Despite suffering a head injury in June, she quickly resumed her royal duties, which has likely contributed to her enduring popularity.

The Princess of Wales is still the most popular, with 66 per cent of the public having a favourable view of her

The poll also indicated that support for a republic remains low, with less than a quarter of the public favoring the idea. This suggests that the monarchy, despite various challenges, continues to maintain solid public backing.

The poll shows that Queen Camilla's popularity has slightly improved, rising to 41% from 38% around the time of the Coronation in May 2023. This increase suggests a gradual acceptance of her role as Queen, although she remains less popular compared to other senior royals.

Queen Camilla is at 41 per cent, higher than her 38 per cent around the Coronation in May 2023

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle's favorability has declined from 25% in April to 21%, a slight drop that brings her closer to the low point she experienced after the release of Spare, when her approval rating fell to 19%. This decline may reflect ongoing public reactions to her and Prince Harry's decisions and media appearances.

Since April, Meghan Markle has dropped from 25 per cent to 21 per cent favourability, just slightly higher than after Spare's release, when it dropped to 19 per cent

Prince Andrew remains the least popular member of the Royal Family, with only 11% of the public expressing support for him. His standing within the family and public life continues to suffer due to his past controversies and scandals.