Kate Middleton loses her top royal ranking spot for the third year running
Every summer, a YouGov poll reveals which member of the British royal family is most popular with the public. This year, once again, Kate Middleton has had to concede first place to her husband. For the third consecutive year, Prince William has edged ahead of the future queen in this closely watched ranking.
William in the lead, Kate Middleton just behind
Prince William tops the poll with an approval rating of 76%. Kate Middleton comes in second with 74%. The gap is slim, but William holds on to his top spot.
In 2024, the princess’s first defeat could be explained by her enforced absence from royal duties during her cancer treatment. Yet twenty-four months on, William is still ahead. This third consecutive loss for Kate has no doubt sparked a few jokes between the couple.
William and Kate have always acknowledged being fiercely competitive, at least when it comes to sport. It is easy to imagine, then, that this annual ranking adds another layer to their friendly rivalry. In this household, competition clearly extends well beyond the playing field.
A sporting rivalry that goes beyond the game
This annual poll also takes on a particular significance within the royal family. Kate Middleton and William are well known for their competitive spirit, which means the ranking becomes a talking point in its own right every summer.
That said, the princess has nothing to be embarrassed about in second place. A score of 74% remains exceptionally high. The future queen continues to be one of the most popular royal figures in the United Kingdom.
“This third defeat for Kate has given rise to a few jokes between the two members of the royal family.”
The rest of the ranking: Anne, Charles and the others
Princess Anne takes third place with 70% favourable opinions. Known for her stoicism and deep loyalty to the monarchy, the second daughter of Elizabeth II holds her customary position. Her popularity rating remains stable from one year to the next.
King Charles III comes in fourth with 62%. Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie follow in fifth and sixth place, with 53% and 51% respectively. Queen Camilla, whose popularity has always fluctuated, ranks seventh with 43%.
- 1st: Prince William, 76% approval
- 2nd: Kate Middleton, 74% approval
- 3rd: Princess Anne, 70% approval
- 4th: King Charles III, 62% approval
- 7th: Queen Camilla, 43% approval
Harry, Beatrice, Eugenie: lower scores
Prince Harry comes in eighth with 33% favourable opinions. His cousins Beatrice and Eugenie follow in ninth and tenth place, with 30% and 29% respectively. The popularity of both princesses has remained unstable since the revelation of their parents’ involvement, former Prince Andrew of York and Sarah Ferguson, in the Epstein scandal.
Meghan Markle appears in second-to-last place with 22%. At the very bottom of the ranking sits Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, now known by that name following the removal of his titles and honours. He receives just 2% approval.
What this ranking says about the British monarchy in 2026
Each year, this YouGov poll offers an accurate snapshot of British public opinion on the royal family. In 2026, the duo formed by William and Kate Middleton clearly dominates the rankings. Their combined popularity reflects the confidence Britons place in the next generation of sovereigns.
Princess Anne, for her part, confirms her enduring standing in public opinion. The most active and low-profile members of the royal family consistently remain the most well-regarded. By contrast, those associated with scandal or prolonged absence see their ratings fall.
This ranking, then, reflects more than simple public affection. It also speaks to what Britons expect from their monarchy. The popularity of Kate Middleton, despite her second-place finish, confirms her central role in the Crown’s public image.
Which raises the question: will William manage to hold on to first place next year? Or will Kate Middleton reclaim the top spot in this very particular annual duel?
