King Charles's public approval has fallen to its lowest point, according to a recent YouGov poll, with 58 percent of Britons holding a positive opinion of the monarch, a four-point decrease since the summer. Concurrently, negative views have risen by three points to 34 percent, matching the highest proportion recorded during his four-year reign.
This dip in popularity follows the publication of "Swan Song," a memoir by Earl Spencer, brother of the late Princess Diana, which contained several allegations against the King. One notable claim suggested that Charles, in the aftermath of Diana's death, told Earl Spencer, "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough." Buckingham Palace responded at the time by stating the King was "mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise."
The same poll revealed that Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, continue to be the most popular royals, with nearly three-quarters of Britons (74 percent) viewing them positively, a figure that has remained largely stable.
In contrast, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are among the least favored royals. Prince Harry's positive opinion rating has dropped four points to 29 percent since July, with 60 percent viewing him unfavorably. Meghan's favorability has also decreased, with only 20 percent holding a positive opinion, while 68 percent view her critically, marking her lowest rating to date.
Princess Anne remains a popular figure, with 68 percent of the public holding a favorable opinion. Queen Camilla's reception is more divided, with 42 percent viewing her positively and 45 percent negatively.
Other royals also saw varying levels of public support. Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, received positive opinions from 51 percent of the public. Prince Andrew, however, remains one of the least popular figures, with only 4 percent holding a positive view and 89 percent viewing him negatively.
The poll also highlighted generational divides in support for the monarchy. While 81 percent of those over 65 believe Britain should retain a monarch, less than half of 18-24-year-olds (46 percent) agree, with one-third of the younger demographic expressing a preference for an elected head of state.