Meghan Markle's standing in Britain has fallen to its lowest point since tracking began in 2017, according to new YouGov data released this week. The Duchess of Sussex is now viewed favorably by only 20% of U.K. adults, while 65% view her unfavorably, producing a net approval rating of minus 45-the worst on record for her.
Only Prince Andrew, who stepped back from royal duties in 2019 amid scandal, scores lower with the British public. He holds a 5% favorability rating and an 85% unfavorable rating. The YouGov poll was conducted on May 6 and 7 among 2,222 U.K. adults and follows a wave of media activity by Meghan, including the launch of her Netflix cooking series With Love, Meghan, a lifestyle brand called As Ever, and a podcast titled Confessions of a Female Founder.
"New YouGov data shows that favorability towards Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is at its lowest point since it started being tracked in 2017," the polling firm stated in a press release.
Prince Harry, who gave a contentious interview to the BBC on May 2 following his failed legal bid to reinstate police protection in the U.K., also saw his favorability drop. Just 27% of Britons view him positively, compared to 63% negatively, marking his worst score since early 2023 and a net approval rating of minus 36.
Generational divides remain stark. Among respondents aged 65 and older, 86% view Meghan unfavorably and 81% disapprove of Harry. Among those aged 18 to 24, views were mixed: Meghan holds a net approval of minus 2, while Harry stands at net zero.
The Prince and Princess of Wales remain the most popular living royals. Prince William is viewed favorably by 75% and unfavorably by 16%, producing a net rating of plus 59. Princess Kate scored similarly with 72% favorable and 13% unfavorable ratings.
Princess Anne ranked just behind the couple, with 69% of respondents viewing her positively and only 11% negatively, resulting in a net approval rating of plus 58. King Charles III stands at 61% favorable and 29% unfavorable, while Queen Camilla holds a more divided rating of 46% favorable to 41% unfavorable.
In the U.S., Meghan fares somewhat better, with 41% of American respondents viewing her favorably and 25% unfavorably, according to a separate YouGov poll for The Times. However, she still ranks lower than several senior royals. Prince William leads among living royals with a 63% favorable rating in the U.S., followed by Harry at 56%, Kate at 49%, and King Charles at 48%.
The late Princess Diana remains the most admired royal figure among Americans, with a favorability rating of 79%, while Queen Elizabeth II follows with 73%.
Harry's recent BBC appearance may have further undermined efforts at reconciliation with his family. In the interview, he said his failed court appeal represented a "good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up" and expressed doubt over his father's willingness to speak with him. "Life is precious. I don't know how much longer my father has, he won't speak to me because of this security stuff. It would be nice to reconcile," he said.
