Brits have had their say on the most popular royals (Image: GETTY)
The results of the Royal popularity list 2026 have been unveiled in a new Channel 5 documentary. In what has been a dramatic period for the Royal Family in recent years, the public has formed strong opinions about the present and future of the monarchy.
Over the past six years, key moments have included Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s exit from royal duties, King Charles ascending the throne, and more recently, controversy surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Away from the drama, King Charles and Princess Catherine both announced their respective cancer diagnoses in 2024. The Princess of Wales has since revealed she is in remission, while the King is still thought to be receiving treatment.
A new poll, voted for by members of the public, ranks the Royal Family from least popular to most admired.
The Channel 5 programme examines reputation, duty and devotion, as well as scandal, scrutiny and the pressures of modern life, to reveal who earns public approval and who divides opinion.
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Princess Catherine came in second place (Image: GETTY)
Reflecting on recent royal events and the results, commentators shared their thoughts in the documentary.
Discussing Catherine’s cancer ordeal and her approach to royal duties, GB News host Andrew Pierce said: “She’s got the rockstar quality, which [Princess] Diana had.”
Dr Andrew Lownie, author and historian, added: “She will make a brilliant queen and I think we’re jolly lucky to have her as the Queen in waiting.”
In the poll results, Catherine was voted the second most popular royal, with an approval rating of 75 per cent, placing her above much-loved royal Princess Anne at 69 per cent and her father-in-law King Charles at 61.
Princess Anne’s popularity has been consistent over the years (Image: Getty)
Topping the poll, however, was the future King, Prince William at 76 per cent.
This comes after his popularity reportedly dipped in 2023 following the release of Prince Harry’s book Spare.
“A lot of people thought it was media speculation but it’s well reported now [that] Harry and William do not speak,” Andrew shared.
In the book, Harry made a series of revelations about his family, including an alleged physical altercation with William.
Prince William came in first place (Image: Getty)
Since 2020, he and Meghan have lived in the United States with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, and have stepped back from official royal duties.
Sharing her thoughts on the poll result, royal commentator Daisy McAndrew said: “There have been so many moments throughout William’s life where the country has been cheering him on. And we know that one day we are going to be watching him on the throne and people want him to be successful.”
“We are going to be watching him on the throne and people want him to be successful,” she added. “William does have the hopes, beliefs and love of the nation pushing him on, he’s our boy.”