The Princess of Wales, Kate, has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity, rising to become the UK’s most popular royal, surpassing her husband Prince William, according to a recent YouGov poll. The survey reveals that 76 per cent of Britons hold a positive view of Kate, a substantial increase of six percentage points since the start of the year.
This boost in popularity is directly attributed to her courageous decision to share her cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy treatment with the nation. In a video message, Kate thanked the public for their unwavering support and reassured them that she was taking steps to ensure her health. Her emotional message was met with an outpouring of support and well-wishes, leaving her husband and children “enormously touched” and “extremely moved” by the public’s warmth and encouragement.
Kate’s newfound fame can be attributed to her candidness about her health, which has resonated deeply with the public. In contrast, Prince William’s positive rating has decreased by one percentage point to 73 per cent, while his negative rating has increased to 21 per cent. The Princess Royal, Anne, ranks third with a 71 per cent positive rating, followed closely by King Charles, who has a 63 per cent positive rating despite being treated for cancer. The Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Camilla received positive ratings of 54 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively.
Notably, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex received significantly lower ratings, with 31 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively, expressing a positive opinion of them. The Duke of York, who has faced scrutiny for his behavior, remains the least popular member of the royal family, with only 6 per cent holding a positive view of him. The YouGov survey, conducted between April 2-3, questioned 2,004 adults in Britain, providing a snapshot of the public’s perception of the royal family. The survey’s findings demonstrate that Kate’s bravery and vulnerability have earned her immense popularity, bringing the royal family closer to the public.