Harry, once the people’s prince, loses support as poll reveals reluctance to let couple keep any royal perks

Poll reveals want-away couple are losing backing of the public as commentators assess their decision and future plans

Public opinion has swung against the Duke and Duchess of Sussex over their controversial decision to quit their roles as senior royals, according to an opinion poll.

Most people surveyed about the couple’s desire to step away from royal life believe they should not hang onto any perks.

Three-quarters – 76% – do not think the couple should receive a penny from the taxpayer or royals once they have left the UK.

An overwhelming 79% of those polled also believe Harry should now pay for his own security rather than the taxpayer footing the bill.

More than half – 54% – think he should give up his place as sixth in line to the throne.

The couple should also relinquish Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, which they plan to keep as their UK base, according to six in 10 people.

The same number thought they should also pay back the cost of the cottage’s £2.4m renovation, which was funded by public money.

Harry and Meghan’s handling of their departure also came under fire, as 71% thought they were wrong not to tell the Queen in advance. But the poll also suggested only 27% of the public believe the royal family are better off without Harry and Meghan.

James Johnson, co-founder of JL Partners, which carried out the survey for the Daily Mail, said: “The British public clearly think, when it comes to the royal family, that you are either in or out.

“Despite sympathy with Meghan and Harry’s decision, the public do not think they should keep any taxpayer funding, their royal titles, accession rights, or public funding.

“Despite all this, faith in the monarchy as an institution remains strong. Asked how long people think it will last, the most popular option with the public was ‘forever’.”