Recent polling data indicates a notable dip in Meghan Markle's public favorability within the United States, with figures suggesting a significant portion of Americans now hold a less positive view of the Duchess of Sussex. This trend appears to place her popularity below that of several other prominent royals, including Kate Middleton, Prince William, and even her husband, Prince Harry, in various polls conducted over the past few years.
Key polling data points:
In October 2023, a poll of approximately 1,200 U.S. adults showed Meghan Markle's popularity dropping seven points.
A September 2023 report noted Meghan Markle's net approval rating falling to minus 2 percent, a low point not seen in five months. This contrasted with a past rating of plus 23 percent.
Around January 2023, following the release of Prince Harry's memoir "Spare," Meghan Markle's rating reportedly plummeted 36 points to minus 13 percent.
Conversely, Prince Harry also experienced a significant drop during the same period, falling 45 points to minus 7 percent after "Spare" and their Netflix series.
By July 2023, Meghan Markle had a positive net approval rating of 12 percent, down two points from the previous quarter, while Kate Middleton enjoyed a net approval rating of plus 36 percent.
Shifting Perceptions Amidst Media Ventures
The shifts in public opinion appear to coincide with the release of the couple's media projects, including their Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan" and Prince Harry's memoir "Spare." Reports suggest these ventures may not have resonated positively with a broad American audience.
The failure of their Netflix documentary to impress many American viewers was cited as a reason for declining approval ratings.
A royal commentator, Kayla Rockefeller, has claimed Meghan Markle's "controversial" behavior is severely impacting her U.S. popularity, risking her and Prince Harry's standing in elite circles.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward reportedly suggested that Americans' views are influenced by Meghan Markle's strained relationships with her own family and her distancing from royal in-laws, with "family" being an emotional topic for many Americans.
Historical Popularity Trends and Comparisons
Historically, Meghan Markle has seen fluctuating approval ratings in the U.S. While she once held a plus 23 percent approval rating, data from December 2022 showed her less popular than Prince Harry, Prince William, and Kate Middleton. At that time, 11 percent viewed her very unfavorably, compared to lower percentages for other royals.
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In contrast, Kate Middleton has consistently maintained higher favorability. By July 2023, she held a plus 36 percent net approval rating, with only 9 percent expressing dislike.
Even Prince Harry, despite his own popularity dips, has, in some polls, shown a stronger or recovering standing compared to his wife. By May 2023, his net approval was reported at plus 15 percent, while Meghan Markle's had returned to positive numbers.
Royal Family's General Standing
Polling also indicates that King Charles III and Queen Camilla generally lag behind Prince William and Kate Middleton in U.S. popularity. For example, in a July 2025 snapshot, Kate held a plus 43 net favorability, William was at plus 40, Charles at plus 12, and Camilla at minus 2.
The long-term trajectory of Meghan Markle's U.S. public image remains a subject of ongoing observation, with subsequent polls suggesting continued volatility and a challenge in regaining widespread public favor.
