UPDATE: New data reveals that Meghan Markle has experienced a significant shift in her popularity in the United States, especially following the release of her controversial Netflix series. As of April 2025, Markle’s net favorability score stands at +15, indicating a rebound after a tumultuous period marked by public backlash.
In the immediate aftermath of Prince Harry’s memoir Spare and their Netflix project, Markle’s approval ratings plummeted. A January 16, 2023, poll indicated that only 26 percent of Americans liked her, while 39 percent expressed disapproval, resulting in a net rating of -13. This dramatic decline followed on the heels of the couple’s high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, where initial sympathy for the Sussexes surged.
At that time, a YouGov poll showed 68 percent of Americans had sympathy for Markle and Harry, while only 27 percent sided with the royal family. However, as public sentiment shifted, Markle’s popularity suffered, falling behind other royals like Kate Middleton and Prince William, who consistently maintained higher approval ratings.
Recent polling from YouGov shows that Markle’s favorability has improved since the lows seen last year. The latest numbers reveal that 41 percent of Americans have a positive view of her, while only 26 percent disapprove. This represents a notable recovery, though she remains below her peak popularity recorded in November 2020, when she enjoyed a net approval rating of +27.
The volatility of Markle’s U.S. popularity reflects broader trends in royal family dynamics and public perception. For instance, in December 2022, shortly before the release of their Netflix series, a poll conducted by Redfield & Wilton showed Markle at a net rating of +23. However, following the backlash from the memoir and Netflix content, her ratings took a sharp dive.
Despite not regaining the high favorability she once enjoyed, Markle’s current standing indicates a potential turning point in her relationship with the American public. As the royal family continues to navigate challenges and controversies, all eyes will be on how Markle and Harry’s brand evolves in the coming months.
With ongoing discussions about the Sussexes’ future projects and their impact on royal relations, this is a developing story that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. For more insights and updates on Meghan Markle and the royal family, stay tuned.