King Charles's popularity falls to lowest point of reign

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 15:10 · Archive

King Charles's approval rating has dropped to 58 per cent, its lowest level during his four-year reign.

King Charles's approval rating has fallen to 58 per cent according to a new YouGov poll, the lowest level recorded during his four-year reign. The figure represents a four-point drop since July. Simultaneously, the proportion viewing him negatively has risen to 34 per cent, the highest recorded during his reign.

The decline follows the September publication of Earl Spencer's memoir Swan Song, which contained allegations about the King's conduct following Princess Diana's death in 1997. Spencer claimed Charles told him 'we'll forget her soon enough' in the aftermath of Diana's death. Buckingham Palace responded by saying 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 Mirror suggests the King's popularity may also have been affected by his handling of Prince Harry's return to the UK with Meghan in August, and controversy surrounding his younger brother Prince Andrew. By contrast, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, remain the most popular royals, with 74 per cent viewing them positively.

How it is being reported

• King Charles' popularity sinks to lowest level of reign amid Harry and Meghan returnWhile a new poll shows nearly six in 10 Brits still view the King positively, his popularity has slumped to the lowest of his four-year reign so farThe Mirror · 30 Oct, 14:49
• King's popularity dips four points in most recent poll since publication of Earl Spencer's fiery Swan SongPolling by YouGov found nearly six in 10 Britons (58 per cent) still have a positive opinion of King Charles, but that is down four points since Earl Spencer levelled some damaging allegations.Daily Mail · 29 Oct, 16:48

In this story: King Charles · Earl Spencer · Princess Diana · Prince William · Catherine, Princess of Wales · Prince Harry · Meghan, Duchess of Sussex · Buckingham Palace

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