In a surprising twist in royal dynamics, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has experienced a notable surge in popularity among younger audiences in the UK.
Recent polling data from YouGov reveals that during her and Prince Harry’s recent tour of Colombia, Meghan’s favorability ratings took a significant leap, particularly among the Gen Z demographic aged 18 to 24.
The poll, conducted between August 14 and August 15, shows that 48% of young respondents now view Meghan positively, with only 30% expressing unfavorable opinions.
This gives her a net approval rating of plus 18, placing her just behind her brother-in-law, Prince William, who boasts a net score of plus 20.
This newfound admiration for Meghan marks a remarkable turnaround, especially when compared to earlier this year when her rating stood at a mere 4.
What sparked this dramatic change?
The couple’s high-profile engagements, particularly their Colombian tour, captured the media’s attention and may have reshaped public perception.
Meghan’s focus on pressing social issues resonates deeply with younger generations, who often prioritize topics such as mental health, gender equality, and human rights—issues that Meghan has consistently championed.
Despite her rising popularity, Prince William retains a slight edge over Meghan in the favorability stakes.
With a net approval of plus 20, he is closely followed by his wife, Princess Kate, who leads the group with an impressive net rating of plus 23.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry’s popularity remains mixed; he is liked by 47% of Gen Z but disliked by 37%, resulting in a net approval of plus 10, trailing behind both his wife and brother.
Across the wider public, however, Meghan’s appeal is less pronounced.
While her favorability among Gen Z has grown, she still faces challenges with older demographics.
According to the same YouGov poll, her overall net approval rating stands at 40%, which, although a slight improvement from May’s 43%, indicates a persistent unpopularity among older Britons aged 25 and above.
This generational divide highlights the contrasting values and priorities of different age groups.
Younger individuals seem to embrace Meghan’s progressive views, while older generations remain more skeptical, likely influenced by the controversies surrounding her exit from royal duties and her subsequent media interactions.
Even amidst fluctuating approval ratings, Meghan continues to be a focal point of public interest.
Her relationship with the media, coupled with her decision to step back from royal responsibilities alongside Prince Harry, fuels ongoing discussions about her role within the royal family.
Many admire her philanthropic endeavors, while others criticize her departure and candid interviews as detrimental to the monarchy’s image.
On the other side of the royal spectrum, Prince Andrew finds himself at the bottom of the popularity ladder, carrying a net favorability rating of minus 82 due to his involvement in scandals.
His situation starkly contrasts with the rising fortunes of Meghan and the enduring popularity of other royals.
As public sentiment shifts, particularly among younger audiences, it raises questions about the future of the monarchy.
Meghan’s increasing appeal among Gen Z, coupled with the consistent favorability of figures like Princess Kate and Prince William, could indicate that younger royals will play a pivotal role in keeping the monarchy relevant moving forward.
Nevertheless, the stark differences in popularity across age groups suggest that the royal family must navigate a complex and evolving landscape of public opinion.
Balancing tradition with the progressive values embraced by younger generations will be crucial as they move into the future.
For Meghan, these latest poll results may provide a glimmer of optimism as she continues to advocate for causes close to her heart, both within and outside the royal spotlight.
As the narrative unfolds, it will be intriguing to observe how these trends develop and what they mean for the broader royal family dynamic.