From what I’ve observed, they really aren’t popular, most people see them as self-important and unaware - just look at all the polls, or read the comments on any online article about them, on practically any site.
Unfortunately their planned 2020 relaunch as ‘A list international celebs’ was a spluttering failure. Over the 3 years since they have turned up to all sorts of obscure envelope openings, but haven’t managed to secure an invite to a single high status event. Where were they at the Met gala, the Emmy’s, the Oscar’s, or even Elton John’s annual bash? They turn up at strange events no-one has heard of - to receive awards that make them look desperate- like the aviation one. William’s brief US visits last year generated the sort of buzz they can only dream of.
And to their discredit, since the failure of their half-in scheme, they seem to have (unsuccessfully) pushed a relentless campaign of revenge PR against the RF: through books, tv projects, interviews, leaks and a small army of tireless Sussex squandettes on X and elsewhere online.
Of course, Kate and William, who remain overwhelmingly more popular than them (including in the US) are the biggest targets for their ire. Just like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor before them, they have embarked upon new lives abroad but are still looking back at the world they left behind with bitterness and resentment.