Meghan Markle, Prince Harry receive first major blow after Kate's return

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have been hit with fresh popularity blow after Kate Middleton's return to the public eye.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's names are on the move in a new royal family power ranking, which has seen Harry and Meghan's popularity in freefall.

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's parents have seen their individual popularity rankings take a hit, despite still wielding "enormous power" as a couple.

The California-based couple's influence has been under scrutiny since they stepped back as senior working royals in 2020 and relocated to the US.

Meghan and Harry's power and popularity are on a downward trajectory, according to a recent royal family ranking analysis.

On the other hands, Kate Middleton and Prince William's appeal seems to be climbing, with The Daily Beast's Royal Power List suggesting the Prince and Princess of Wales' star is still rising, unlike the Sussexes'.

Harry's popularity is at 34 percent, while Meghan trails with 26 percent, as per the publication. Meanwhile, William boasts a 67 percent popularity score and a high 'fame' rating of 97 percent.

Catherine, who's undergoing chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis, has  surpassed William with a 71 percent popularity rating, though her 'fame' score is slightly lower at 95 percent.

Despite lagging behind in popularity compared to the Waleses, the Sussexes are described by the publication as being "more outrageous" and "interesting" than their Royal counterparts.

However, the Duke's 'fame' stands at 100 percent, with Meghan's not far behind at 94 percent. The couple announced their intention to step back as senior working royals in January 2020 and soon relocated to the US.