Meghan Markle’s Approval Rating Hits New Low in the UK

Meghan Markle’s net approval rating in the UK dropped to minus 43 in the second quarter of 2026, marking a new low. This finding comes from a recent YouGov Ratings poll.

Recent Statistics

The survey reveals that the Duchess of Sussex was favored by 18 percent of respondents and viewed unfavorably by 61 percent between April and June. This is a decline from the first quarter, where her rating was 26 percent positive and 47 percent negative, indicating a net approval of minus 21. The shift reflects a 22-point decrease in approval from one quarter to the next.

Contributing Factors

The decline occurs during a challenging year for Meghan. Her lifestyle business, As Ever, saw Netflix withdraw as an equity partner in March. In April, she and Prince Harry visited Australia in a widely covered trip. In May, Meghan delivered a speech on social media risks in Geneva, Switzerland.

Why Approval Matters

Although Meghan left royal duties and the UK in 2020, her appeal in the country still holds significance for her plans to expand her business globally. Britain remains one of the few nations showing steady interest in her ventures, according to Similarweb data.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry is increasingly focusing on the UK after Birmingham was selected over Washington D.C. as the host city for the 2027 Invictus Games. The Sussex family returned to Britain in July, marking their children’s first meeting with King Charles III since 2022.

This story is ongoing and will be updated with further developments. For updates, please contact Newsweek editors Daniel Orton and Cristina Diciu.