A major new opinion poll has laid bare the stark divides in public affection for the Royal Family, revealing the Prince and Princess of Wales as its undisputed stars while other members, notably the Duchess of Sussex and the Duke of York, languish at record lows.
Top Tier Royals: The Wales's Commanding Lead
The survey, conducted by YouGov in January, shows an overwhelming three-quarters of the British public hold a favourable view of the future king and queen. Between 74% and 77% of those polled have a positive impression of William and Catherine, solidifying their position as the monarchy's most popular and stable assets. This robust support provides a strong foundation for the institution's future.
Other senior working royals also enjoy significant public goodwill. Princess Anne's popularity remains unmoved and high at 70%, a testament to her decades of dedicated service. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie, are viewed positively by around half of the nation (50-51%), with relatively few holding negative opinions.
Record Lows for Sussexes and a Disgraced Duke
The data presents a far grimmer picture for other members. As speculation swirls about a potential return to the UK this summer, the Duchess of Sussex's popularity has cratered to an all-time low. Just 19% of Britons now have a positive view of Meghan, with a staggering 66% holding a negative opinion. Her husband, Prince Harry, fares only marginally better, with just 31% viewing him positively against 60% negatively.
However, one figure ranks even lower. The former Duke of York, Prince Andrew, is viewed favourably by a mere 3% of the public, the lowest figure ever recorded by YouGov. A damning 90% see him negatively, following the fallout from the Epstein scandal and the removal of his remaining titles by the King last year.
Monarchy's Health: Stable Support Despite Scandals
Despite the severe unpopularity of some individuals, the poll indicates the institution itself remains on solid ground. King Charles enjoys a net positive rating, with 60% viewing him favourably versus 31% unfavourably. Furthermore, nearly six in ten Britons (57-59%) see both the royal family and the monarchy as an institution in a favourable light.
Crucially, 64% of respondents believe the UK should continue to have a monarchy, a figure that has held steady since the King's accession. Only around a quarter (23%) would prefer an elected head of state. A majority (58%) also believe the monarchy is good for Britain, and half (51%) feel it represents good value for money, suggesting the controversies surrounding Andrew and Harry have not caused irrevocable damage to the Crown's standing.
The poll did record a slight dip for Queen Camilla, with 42% holding a positive view—her lowest rating since March 2021—though the change is minor. The overall findings paint a picture of a public that distinguishes sharply between the enduring institution and the fortunes of individual members, with the core of the working Royal Family retaining strong public backing.
