The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, may reside thousands of miles away from Buckingham Palace, yet their impact within the royal sphere is steadily gaining momentum, overshadowing that of Prince William.
This shift in influence comes amidst the recent revelation of Princess Kate Middleton‘s battle with cancer.
A comprehensive data analysis conducted by Hennessey Digital, publicly disclosed on March 27, unveiled intriguing insights into the online and social media prominence of key royal figures.
Notably, Kate, at 42 years old, claims the top spot in terms of influence and popularity, closely trailed by Harry, aged 39, and Meghan, aged 42.
The late Princess Diana Spencer and King Charles III follow suit.
In a surprising turn, William, aged 41, finds himself distantly positioned four ranks behind his younger brother and five ranks below his spouse.
Despite maintaining a veil of privacy around her health struggles, Kate continues to reign as the most influential living royal figure.
Her online presence garners 1.6 million Instagram hashtags, 412,000 monthly Google searches, and 184,600 TikTok views, with escalating speculations surrounding her well-being further fueling public intrigue.
Harry trails closely behind, accumulating 1.1 million Instagram hashtags, 700,000 Google searches, and 177,000 TikTok views per month.
Meanwhile, Meghan stands out on a global scale as the most searched royal globally, amassing a staggering 1.2 million monthly Google searches.
In stark contrast, William’s online footprint registers approximately 267,000 Google searches over a four-week period, placing him notably lower in the hierarchy.
The surge in Harry and Meghan’s influence signals a pivotal juncture for the monarchy.
Kate’s health ordeal not only shielded her from the limelight but also emboldened social media users to speculate widely on her situation.
Allegations of an affair between William and Rose Hanbury resurfaced amidst Kate’s absence, casting a shadow over the state of their marriage.
Conspiracies regarding William’s fidelity, Kate’s royal lifestyle, her health status, and more painted a disconcerting narrative of the royal establishment.
In stark contrast, Harry and Meghan have chosen a path of seclusion since relocating to California, dedicating themselves to philanthropy and advocacy work.
Recent developments include Meghan’s unexpected announcement of her newest venture, American Riviera Orchard, poised to offer a diverse range of home and lifestyle products, as indicated by the trademark filings.
The disparity in influence between the two royal couples mirrors the geographical and metaphorical distance that has grown between them.
The Sussexes and the Waleses have operated independently for an extended period, with minimal regard for each other’s endeavors.
Following Kate’s cancer disclosure, reports emerged suggesting that William and Kate were disinclined towards a visit from Harry and Meghan, fearing potential disturbances.
Speculation circulated that the Sussexes, like the general public, were made aware of Kate’s diagnosis through media reports rather than personal communication.
Sources attested to the lack of direct communication between the parties, with claims that Harry learned of Kate’s condition concurrently with the public.
Reports from reputable outlets underline the acceptance of estrangement between Harry and the Cambridge pair, indicating a mutual inclination to maintain the status quo and avoid unnecessary strife.
