Meghan Markle's popularity plummets to record low in the UK
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Meghan Markle's popularity plummets to record low in the UK

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(Update: )
British Royal as wife of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and American Actress
constitutional monarchy in Western Europe (1707–1800)
international internet-based market research firm
  • Meghan Markle's net approval rating in the UK fell to minus 43 in the second quarter of 2026.
  • Her popularity has significantly declined, with 61% of the public now disliking her.
  • This decline reflects a challenging year for Markle, impacting her business and public image.
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In the second quarter of 2026, Meghan Markle's popularity in the United Kingdom reached a historic low, with her net approval rating falling to minus 43 according to YouGov data. This decline is significant, as it reflects a drop in her approval from 26 percent in the first quarter to just 18 percent, while her disapproval rose from 47 percent to 61 percent. The data indicates that almost two-thirds of the British population now dislikes her, marking a 22-point decrease in her net approval rating quarter over quarter. This downturn in public perception comes during a challenging year for the Duchess of Sussex. In March, Netflix withdrew as an equity partner in her lifestyle business, As Ever, which likely contributed to the negative sentiment surrounding her. Following this, in April, Meghan and Prince Harry undertook a high-profile visit to Australia, and in May, she delivered a speech in Geneva, Switzerland, addressing the dangers of social media. Despite these efforts to maintain a public presence, the overall response from the British public has been increasingly unfavorable. Meghan Markle's departure from the royal family in 2020 has diminished the significance of her popularity in the UK, yet she is still preparing to expand her lifestyle brand, As Ever, globally. Britain remains one of the few countries showing consistent interest in her business endeavors, as indicated by data from Similarweb. Meanwhile, Prince Harry appears to be gaining more interest in the UK, especially after Birmingham was selected as the host city for his 2027 Invictus Games, suggesting a potential shift in focus for the Sussex family. In July 2026, the Sussex family visited Britain, where Harry and Meghan introduced their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to King Charles III for the first time since 2022. This visit highlights their ongoing connection to the UK, despite the challenges they face in terms of public perception. The situation remains fluid, and updates on their popularity and business ventures are expected as they navigate their roles both in the UK and globally.