King Charles III has recorded his lowest net approval rating since his accession to the throne more than two years ago, according to a new survey.

YouGov recorded that 59 percent of British people supported the king, compared to 34 percent who viewed him negatively, leaving him with a net approval rating of plus 25.

The pollster said in a press release: “While this net favourability score of plus 25 is noticeably better than any leading politician, it is down from plus 33 in December and is Charles’s lowest rating with YouGov since he became King.”

Why It Matters

Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed sky high popularity ratings throughout her reign, while the king’s standing with the public dropped dramatically during the collapse of his marriage to in the 1990s.

That meant he went into his own reign with a significantly lower rating than his mother’s, while also fending off criticism from and and under pressure from young people.

What to Know

Charles’ lower popularity score has been substantially driven by 18 to 24 year olds, among whom 50 percent viewed him negatively, compared to 33 percent who viewed him positively, or minus 17 as a net approval.

He was most popular among over 65s, with 75 percent liking him and 24 percent disliking him, putting him on plus 51.

Among 25 to 49 year olds, he was liked by 53 percent and disliked by 36 percent, a net approval of plus 17.

The king’s individual scores are broadly in line with attitudes to the monarchy as an institution (plus 19) and the royal family in general (plus 23), but he is some way behind and Princess Kate.

The Princess of Wales remains Britain’s most popular living royal, liked by 74 percent and disliked by 15 percent, putting her on plus 59.

Prince William was not far behind, liked by 74 percent and disliked by 19 percent, leaving him on plus 55.

Prince Harry and Meghan remain unpopular in Britain, with the duke liked by 30 percent and disliked by 61 percent (minus 31). Meghan was liked by 21 percent and disliked by 68 percent (minus 47).

What People Are Saying

YouGov said in its statement: “YouGov’s latest royal favorability data shows that King Charles is seen positively by six in 10 Britons (59 percent), but negatively by a third (34 percent).”

Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, told Regalrumination.com: “I’m not particularly surprised, we’ve seen support for the monarchy drop over the last few years and people are largely uninspired and uninterested in Charles. Obviously various scandals continue to dent their popularity.”

Williams Brown is chief royal correspondent for Regalrumination.com, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly , at and read his stories on Regalrumination.com’s .

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