Prince Harry as King? New Poll Triggers Strong Backlash From Royal Fans
The scathing backlash started when Good Morning Britain’s handle posted a poll on X.
A debate regarding Prince Harry unexpectedly led to backlash online after Good Morning Britain asked viewers whether the Duke of Sussex should ascend to the throne as King one day. The noted ITV morning program’s poll came under fire from upset audience members. Many of them wanted to know why such a question was being asked at all, especially given that the line of succession within the British royal family is already clearly established.
The scathing backlash started when Good Morning Britain’s handle posted a poll on X asking viewers a direct question. It simply said, “Should Prince Harry be King?” The poll was featured during the discussion in the panel, stating Princess Diana once believed her younger son might be better suited for the responsibility than his older brother, Prince William. Renowned royal writer Richard Kay, known to be quite close to the late princess, shared the claim on the Palace Confidential podcast. He said, “She (Princess Diana), in her mind, was preparing the way for the possibility that it would be Harry who succeeded his father. She had a nickname for Harry: "She used to call him 'Good King Harry' — a throwback to medieval days.”
While the discussion was meant to unravel historical comments about Diana’s views, the poll itself led to instant backlash from the viewers. Although 80% of responses said “no,” clearly establishing they don’t want the Duke to be their future King. Critics began to voice their opinions, arguing that such a question was pointless and inappropriate. One post on X said, “So you're peddling treason? You do understand that we don't vote for our monarch, don't you? This pathetic poll should be taken down asap!” It was clear that the framing of the debate had led to widespread outrage among the watchers.
Other posts also shared these sentiments. Some wondered if the intention of the poll was to create unnecessary controversy. One user stated, “That is the most ridiculous poll I’ve ever seen!!!! GMB. Do better” with an eye-roll emoji. Another added, “No no no no no!! Why are you even asking this question? He is a traitor! We already have a king in waiting! He needs to stay in Montecito with Meghan Markle!” While another tweet was rather blunt and said, “What a totally irrelevant question.” When it came to the broader topic of royal succession, this poll provoked many viewers.
Regardless of the backlash, the discussion also shed light on the reignited interest in the structure of the royal family’s succession. Although Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to the US, he is still a part of the official succession order. Currently, he is fifth in line to the throne behind Prince William and his three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Harry’s own children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are sixth and seventh in line to the throne.
