Reasons why Meghan Markle is hugely unpopular in the UK now

Meghan Markle has reached her lowest popularity rating in the UK since tracking began in 2017, according to a new YouGov poll released on May 14, 2025. The low rating coincides with renewed royal tensions, including backlash over her reported use of the “Her Royal Highness” title and ongoing legal disputes involving Prince Harry’s fight for police protection.

Although Harry and Meghan retained their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles after stepping down from royal duties in 2020, they agreed not to use “His/Her Royal Highness” in any capacity.

The Duchess reportedly breached this understanding by signing a card as “HRH The Duchess of Sussex,” prompting criticism from royal watchers and adding to already strained public sentiment.

The all-time low rating

Only 20 per cent of Britons now hold a positive opinion of her, while 65 per cent view her unfavorably. This marks a significant decline from her peak favorability of 55 per cent in 2019, following the birth of Prince Archie and the couple's tour of southern Africa.

Also Read: Meghan Markle's HRH title at risk

Prince Harry's popularity has also declined, with only 27 per cent of Britons viewing him positively and 63 per cent holding a negative opinion, the worst score since early 2023.

The couple's departure from royal duties in 2020, their critical media ventures, and strained relations with the royal family have contributed to their declining popularity.

Generational differences are evident in the poll results. Among 18-24-year-olds, 38 per cent have a positive view of Meghan, compared to just 8 per cent of those aged 65 and over.

Similarly, Prince Harry is viewed positively by 48 per cent of the younger demographic, but only 18 per cent of those over 65 share that sentiment.

In contrast, other members of the royal family maintain higher approval ratings. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are the most popular royals, with 75 per cent and 72 per cent of Britons holding positive opinions of them, respectively.

Also Read: James Middleton reveals the pain behind Princess Kate’s cancer battle

King Charles III has a 61 per cent approval rating, though this represents a five-point drop since February.

Despite the declining popularity in the UK, Meghan and Harry continue to engage in public endeavors. Meghan recently launched a lifestyle brand, "As Ever," and a podcast focusing on female business founders. She also declared at the Time100 Summit in New York City that she is "the happiest" she has "ever been," attributing her joy to her family life in California.

A recent YouGov poll indicates that 56 per cent of Americans have a positive view of Prince Harry, while 41 per cent view Meghan favorably. Their move to the U.S. is generally seen positively, with 42 per cent supporting it and only 19 per cent disapproving.

Yet in the UK, lingering resentments, legal clashes, and perceived breaches of royal protocol appear to be catching up with the Sussexes, especially Meghan, whose public standing now sits at its lowest ebb.