In a stark revelation that underscores the depth of his fall from public favour, Prince Andrew has emerged as one of the least popular members of the Royal Family according to a comprehensive new Ipsos survey. The research paints a damning picture of the Duke of York's standing among Britons, with overwhelming negative sentiment following years of controversy.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The polling data reveals that a staggering 69% of the British public hold an unfavourable view of the Queen's second son. This places him significantly behind other senior royals in public esteem, with only 9% expressing positive feelings toward the embattled prince.
This represents one of the most dramatic declines in modern royal history, highlighting how the Duke's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the subsequent civil sexual assault case have fundamentally damaged his reputation.
A Royal in Exile
Prince Andrew's precipitous fall from grace has been both public and painful. Stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages in 2022, he now lives as essentially a private citizen while remaining Duke of York. The palace has made it clear he will not return to public duties, a decision that appears to align with public sentiment.
The shadow of the Virginia Giuffre case continues to loom large, despite Andrew's settlement being reached without admission of guilt. For many Britons, the damage to the monarchy's reputation has been done, and the poll results reflect this lingering discontent.
Broader Royal Landscape
While Andrew languishes at the bottom of royal popularity charts, other senior working royals maintain significantly higher approval ratings. The polling comes at a sensitive time for the monarchy as it navigates the transition to King Charles III's reign and works to maintain public support among younger generations.
The research suggests that while the institution of monarchy retains substantial support, individual members—particularly those mired in controversy—face intense public scrutiny in the modern media landscape.
As the Royal Family continues its evolution in the post-Elizabethan era, the case of Prince Andrew serves as a cautionary tale about how quickly royal standing can deteriorate when personal conduct clashes with public expectation.
