Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been in the spotlight for showcasing a more relaxed and informal demeanor, particularly highlighted during their recent visit to Texas. The couple enjoyed local BBQ cuisine and interacted warmly with both staff and customers, showcasing a departure from traditional royal behavior. This was further evidenced by Prince Harry’s light-hearted suggestion to take a photo in front of a mural of Freddie Mercury dressed as Queen Elizabeth, indicating a more approachable side to their public personas.

In addition to their casual public outings, Meghan Markle also participated in a panel discussion at the South by Southwest festival in Texas, where she addressed the issue of online bullying and the importance of creating safer digital environments. She shared her experiences of abuse during her pregnancies to underline her advocacy for better online protections.

This shift towards a more casual public image comes amid the Duke and Duchess’s decision to step back from their royal duties and move to California. Despite this, in a recent popularity poll conducted among Express readers, Prince Harry and Meghan Markel ranked fourth behind Prince William and Princess Kate, King Charles and Queen Camilla, and Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh. They did, however, rank above other royal couples such as Zara and Mike Tindall, Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence, and the pairs of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie with their respective spouses.

The polling results and the couple’s public appearances suggest an evolving image of Prince Harry and Meghan, indicating their ongoing influence and public interest despite a noticeable shift in their public displays of affection and their path diverging from traditional royal roles.