King Charles's popularity has fallen to its lowest level since he ascended the throne, according to a new YouGov poll, with some commentators attributing the decline to his handling of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to the UK.
The survey of 2,116 people found that nearly 58% of those questioned had a positive opinion of Charles, down 4% from a similar survey in the summer. This is the lowest rating since he became King, and some commentators believe the drop is linked to the monarch's approach to his youngest son's UK return.
Royal aides defend approach
Despite the poll results, the King's aides think he has taken the right approach to Harry and Meghan's return, including his letter to Government confirming that the couple remained non-working royals. A senior palace aide, when asked if the King and his team were confident his approach to family matters was the right one in terms of public attitudes, replied: "Yes. That is why he takes the actions he does – and has done."
Royal journalist Tom Sykes said: "The public are not fooled. They know Charles is behind the return of Harry. They do not buy the line that he didn't know, that the King was as surprised as anyone to find his younger son setting up home in the Cotswolds."
Sussexes' status dispute
Within weeks of returning to the UK in August, Harry and Meghan were involved in a public dispute about their status, when a letter was sent to Government stakeholders and others, authorised by the King, clarifying the Sussexes remain "private citizens". Team Sussex said at the time they were given around an hour's notice of the release of the Lord Chamberlain's letter, did not have time to clarify any of the points, and Harry and Meghan were said to prefer the phrase "public figures" rather than "private citizens".
King Charles has not seen his son since his UK return.
