Meghan Markle has experienced a surge in popularity following her and Prince Harry’s recent tour of Colombia, according to a new poll. The Duchess of Sussex has seen a significant rise in favorability among young people in the United Kingdom, particularly Gen Z. Conducted by YouGov between August 14th and 15th, the survey revealed that Meghan's popularity has grown, placing her closer to her brother-in-law, Prince William, in terms of favorability.
The data, published on August 30th, shows that Meghan is liked by 48% of Gen Z respondents, while 30% view her unfavorably, giving her a net approval rating of +18. In comparison, Prince William holds a net approval of +20 among this age group, with 48% favorability and 28% unfavorability. Meghan’s rise represents a 22-point improvement in just four months, marking a major shift in public opinion.
Meghan’s resurgence in favorability among Gen Z is particularly noteworthy when compared to her earlier ratings. In May, a similar YouGov poll indicated that only 36% of young people liked the Duchess, while 40% expressed dislike, resulting in a net approval rating of +4. The recent 22-point jump is a significant turnaround, likely influenced by Meghan and Harry’s public engagements, including their well-publicized trip to Colombia. This tour attracted widespread media attention and may have contributed to reshaping younger audiences’ perceptions of the Duchess. Her focus on social issues and advocacy resonates particularly well with younger generations, who tend to prioritize global concerns like mental health, gender equality, and human rights—causes Meghan has consistently championed.
While Meghan’s popularity among Gen Z has climbed, Prince William still holds a slight lead in favorability among young people. His 48% approval rating, combined with a 28% disapproval rating, gives him a net score of +20, just two points ahead of Meghan’s +18. However, his wife, Princess Kate, leads the pack with a net approval rating of +23, making her the most popular royal among this demographic.
Prince Harry, on the other hand, continues to receive mixed reactions. He is liked by 47% of Gen Z respondents but disliked by 37%, giving him a net approval rating of +10. This places him behind both his wife and his brother in terms of popularity with young people. In contrast, Princess Kate’s enduring appeal across various age groups cements her position as the most popular royal overall, with a net favorability rating of +61. Following closely behind are Princess Anne at +60 and Prince William at +59.
While Meghan’s popularity among Gen Z is on the rise, her overall favorability remains significantly lower among older Britons. According to the same YouGov poll, her net approval rating among the general public is -40, reflecting a modest improvement from May when her rating stood at -43. Despite this slight uptick, she remains widely unpopular with older demographics, particularly those aged 25 to 49, 50 to 64, and 65 and older.
This sharp generational divide in how Meghan is perceived underscores the differing priorities and perspectives between younger and older audiences. While younger generations may appreciate her progressive views and activism, older generations appear to be more critical, likely influenced by the media scrutiny and controversies surrounding her departure from the UK and the Royal Family.
Despite her fluctuating approval ratings, Meghan remains one of the most talked-about figures in the Royal Family. Her relationship with the media and her decision to step back from royal duties alongside Prince Harry continue to fuel public discourse. While many celebrate her for her advocacy and philanthropic work, others view her departure and subsequent interviews as harmful to the institution.
On the other end of the spectrum, Prince Andrew remains the least popular royal, with a favorability rating of just 8%. His involvement in scandals has led to widespread disapproval across all age groups, cementing his position as the most disliked member of the Royal Family.
As public opinion on members of the Royal Family continues to shift, particularly among younger generations, it will be interesting to see how these trends impact the future of the monarchy. Meghan’s growing popularity among Gen Z, alongside the ongoing favorability of figures like Princess Kate and Prince William, suggests that younger royals may play a key role in maintaining the monarchy’s relevance in the years to come. However, the divide in popularity between age groups indicates that the Royal Family will need to carefully navigate public opinion, balancing tradition with the evolving values of younger generations.
For Meghan, the latest poll results may offer a glimmer of hope as she continues to build her brand and advocate for the causes she is passionate about, both within and beyond the royal spotlight.
