Meghan Markle’s UK popularity hits new low in polling
Meghan Markle’s U.K. net approval rating slipped to minus 43 in the second quarter of 2026 in a new poll, her lowest yet through that system of measurement.
According to YouGov Ratings, the Duchess of Sussex was liked by 18 percent and disliked by 61 percent in the three months from April to June, down from the first quarter when she was liked by 26 percent and disliked by 47 percent, a net approval of minus 21. The dip represents a 22 point drop in her net approval quarter to quarter.
The historic low comes during a bumpy year for the duchess, which included Netflix withdrawing as an equity partner in her lifestyle business, As Ever, in March. In April, Harry and Meghan went on a high profile visit to Australia and in May, she gave a speech on the dangers of social media in Geneva, Switzerland.
Why It Matters
Meghan Markle quit the palace and left Britain in 2020, reducing the importance of her popularity in the country, but is preparing to take her lifestyle business As Ever global, with Britain one of a handful of countries showing consistent interest, according to data from Similarweb.
At the same time, Prince Harry is showing increasing interest in the U.K. after Birmingham was picked over Washington D.C. as host city for his 2027 Invictus Games. The Sussex family visited Britain in July, when Harry and Meghan took their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to see King Charles III for the first time since 2022.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Daniel Orton and Cristina Diciu.
