The majority of the British public believes the Royal Family acted at a low speed when addressing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, new polling data released today suggests.
The YouGov survey found that 58 per cent of respondents felt the royals acted too slowly in handling the revelations, compared with just 21 per cent who considered the pace appropriate.
A mere three per cent thought the family moved too quickly, while 17 per cent were uncertain.
The findings come after a turbulent 2025 that saw the former prince stripped of his royal and honorary military titles.
Royal Family viewed by Britons as ‘acting too slowly’ over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
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GETTY
Despite this criticism of the institution’s handling of the Andrew affair, broader attitudes towards the monarchy have remained remarkably steady.
According to the same YouGov research, nearly two-thirds of Britons — 64 per cent — maintain that the United Kingdom should continue as a constitutional monarchy.
This figure aligns with sentiment throughout King Charles’s reign, which has fluctuated between 61 and 67 per cent.
Roughly a quarter of the population, at 23 per cent, would prefer an elected head of state.
58 per cent of those polled responded that the Royal Family acted ‘too slowly’
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YOUGOV
Additionally, 58 per cent of those surveyed believe the monarchy benefits Britain, while between 57 and 59 per cent view both the Royal Family and the institution itself favourably.
The Prince and Princess of Wales continue to dominate the popularity rankings, with between 74 and 77 per cent of the public holding favourable views of William and Kate.
These figures have barely shifted since October, according to the tracker data.
Princess Anne also enjoys strong support, with seven in 10 Britons expressing positive opinions of the Princess Royal.
Meghan and Andrew have reached a historic low in UK popularity
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King Charles retains solid approval ratings, with 60 per cent viewing him positively — approximately double the 31 per cent who hold unfavourable opinions.
His standing has remained consistent throughout the past year, hovering between 59 and 62 per cent.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh also fare well, with around half the public viewing Prince Edward and Sophie positively.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will soon depart from Royal Lodge
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Queen Camilla’s standing has dipped somewhat, with 42 per cent viewing her positively — the lowest figure YouGov has recorded since March 2021 — while negative opinions have risen four points to 45 per cent.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s ratings have plummeted to rock bottom, with a mere three per cent of Britons holding a favourable view of the disgraced former duke — another record low in YouGov’s tracking. Nine in 10 respondents now view him negatively.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has also reached her lowest recorded favourability at 19 per cent, with two-thirds of the public holding unfavourable opinions of Prince Harry’s wife ahead of her reported summer visit to Britain.