The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has found herself at the centre of a fresh public relations setback as a new poll crowns her the most disliked celebrity of 2025.
A Soaring Unpopularity Ranking
According to the latest data from the public voting site Ranker, the 44-year-old has risen to the unwelcome number one position on its list of disliked celebrities. This marks a significant climb from her previous placements in the annual survey, where she has consistently featured in the top ten since 2023. The list, which is updated in real time based on user votes, also places her husband, Prince Harry, within the top ten, delivering a double blow to the couple's public image.
The ranking indicates that Meghan and music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs have been jostling for the lead position throughout the year. This public verdict comes at a challenging time for the Sussexes, who have recently faced significant upheaval in their professional communications team.
Behind the Scenes: A PR Team in Turmoil
The poll's revelation coincides with reports that the Duke and Duchess have parted ways with their chief communications officer, Meredith Maines, after less than a year in the role. Maines, who started in March 2025, oversaw all external communications for Archewell Productions, the Archewell Foundation, and Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever.
In a statement, Maines said she would be "pursuing a new opportunity in 2026" after a year of "inspiring work" with the couple. However, sources have presented conflicting accounts of the departure. One insider described her tenure as "an absolute disaster," suggesting the exit was to "save face." Another countered that Maines had achieved key objectives, including helping to facilitate Harry's meeting with his father, King Charles, in September, and that she left on good terms.
This change represents the couple's 11th publicist departure in just five years. Furthermore, they have also ended their contract with the US-based PR agency Method Communications, which was hired in June 2025 to support their business and philanthropic ventures.
Navigating Public Perception
The confluence of the damning poll result and the high-profile staff turnover highlights the ongoing challenges Harry and Meghan face in managing their narrative and public standing. The Ranker list, powered by direct public opinion, serves as a stark barometer of their popularity, or lack thereof, as they build their commercial and charitable enterprises independently of the Royal Family.
With a new communications lead yet to be appointed, the question remains how the Sussexes will navigate this latest wave of negative publicity and work to reshape their public image in the year ahead.
