On the latest episode of Palace Confidential, Diary Editor Richard Eden and a panel of royal commentators examined surprising new polling showing that the King’s favourability has fallen to its lowest point since the start of his reign.
YouGov found that 58 per cent of the British public hold a favourable view of the King, a four-point decline since July. Ratings for Harry and Meghan also dropped, with the Prince’s falling four points to 29 per cent and the Duchess’s reaching a record low.
The survey showed that only 20 per cent of people view Meghan favourably, compared with 68 per cent who hold an unfavourable opinion. Her resulting net score of minus 48 is the lowest YouGov has recorded for her.
Speaking to host Luke Blackall, Eden argued that the monarch’s declining popularity may be linked to Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain.
Since coming back in August, the Sussexes have remained at the centre of media coverage. Although they are no longer working members of the Royal Family, they have continued to carry out what Eden described as ‘quasi-royal’ engagements.
‘I think the King’s ratings are suffering because of Harry and Meghan’s return,’ Eden said.
On the latest episode of Palace Confidential, Richard Eden and a panel of royal commentators examined polling showing that the King’s favourability has fallen to its lowest level since the beginning of his reign
Speaking to host Luke Blackall, Eden said the monarch’s popularity could be suffering following Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain
The Sussexes have dominated headlines since returning in August, despite no longer being working royals, through a series of ‘quasi-royal’ engagements
‘I’m sorry, I know this may not be popular in some circles, but I think they have damaged his reputation.
‘That is because he has not dealt with the situation. He appears to have welcomed them back, despite the fact that they are unpopular.
‘In my view, the King’s popularity would improve if he took steps to remove Harry and Meghan’s titles.’
Mail on Sunday Editor-at-Large Charlotte Griffiths said the issue was especially acute in Meghan’s case, arguing that she has struggled to appear ‘normal and relatable’ despite efforts to reshape her public image.
‘The With Love, Meghan series was intended to present her as a down-to-earth, homely mother,’ she said. ‘But all these different reinventions do not seem to be helping her.
‘The one factor that could work in her favour is that some people may sympathise with her over what she is experiencing with her father.
‘It will be interesting to see whether that figure rises slightly in the next poll, although I cannot see it changing significantly.
‘Even with the enormous ordeal she is facing, there is still something about Meghan that people find difficult to accept.’
Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr, has been reported to police in the Philippines and to the FBI over allegations that he possessed images of child sexual abuse.
He has denied the allegations, describing them as ‘sick lies’, and no charges have been filed.
Eden said the couple could still improve their public standing. He suggested that a public apology to the Royal Family—particularly William and Catherine—for the pain they have caused could help repair the Sussexes’ relationship with the British public.
‘But it would need to appear sincere, rather than something done simply to improve their popularity,’ he cautioned.
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