In the second quarter of 2026, Meghan Markle’s net approval rating in the U.K. fell to minus 43, the lowest yet recorded for her through this measurement system. Data from YouGov Ratings show that while 18 percent of people liked the Duchess of Sussex, 61 percent expressed dislike during the period from April to June. This was a decline from the first quarter when her likes were at 26 percent and dislikes were at 47 percent, yielding a net approval of minus 21. The recent figures indicate a drop of 22 points in her net approval from one quarter to the next.
This significant low point comes amid challenging times for the duchess. In March, Netflix ended their partnership with her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Following this, Harry and Meghan embarked on a prominent visit to Australia in April. Additionally, she delivered a speech addressing social media dangers in May in Geneva, Switzerland.
Why It Matters
Though Meghan Markle stepped away from the palace and left Britain in 2020, diminishing the impact of her popularity there, she is now preparing to expand her lifestyle business, As Ever, globally. Britain remains among the few consistent markets showing interest, supported by data from Similarweb.
Simultaneously, Prince Harry’s engagement with the U.K. seems to be growing, following Birmingham’s selection over Washington D.C. as the host for his 2027 Invictus Games. The Sussex family visited the U.K. in July, where Harry and Meghan introduced their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to King Charles III for the first time since 2022.
This is a developing story and will be updated with further information.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Daniel Orton and Cristina Diciu.
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