King Charles III Sees Popularity Drop to Lowest Level Since Taking Throne
A recent tracker poll shows the British monarch's approval rating falling amid public discussions over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
King Charles III has experienced a decline in his public approval rating, with a recent tracker poll revealing that 58 percent of citizens hold a positive view of the monarch. Conducted earlier this month, the survey marks a four-point decrease from his previous popularity numbers recorded in the summer.
According to YouGov data, this figure represents the lowest level of public support recorded since King Charles assumed the throne in 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The shift comes as the royal family navigates a series of public debates and media attention surrounding various members of the institution.
Commentary from publications such as The Royalist suggests that the dip in popularity may be linked to Prince Harry's recent return to the United Kingdom. Public discussion has centered on the dynamic between King Charles and his younger son, particularly following announcements regarding the status of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as private citizens upon their return.
While the monarch's numbers have decreased, other senior members of the royal family maintain higher approval ratings in the polling data. Prince William and Princess Kate lead the family with positive ratings of 74 percent and 72 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, polling indicates that public favorability for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remains low, with Prince Harry receiving a 29 percent positive rating and Meghan Markle garnering 20 percent.
At the same time, King Charles has been undertaking a royal tour of the Caribbean, arriving in the Bahamas and later visiting Guyana to mark historical ties and celebrate local culture and environment. During his travels, the King addressed the legacy of slavery and acknowledged the suffering of the past as regional nations call for apologies and discussions on reparations.
In addition to diplomatic engagements, the royal family has faced various headlines involving extended members, including ongoing security concerns for the Sussex family and separate investigations involving Meghan Markle's father in the Philippines. Despite the broader public scrutiny and shifting poll numbers, the palace continues to manage both official state visits and domestic developments.