Kate Middleton has been dealt an unexpected setback just months after bravely revealing she is in remission from cancer. The Princess of Wales, who has inspired millions with her strength, has now lost her crown as the most popular member of the Royal Family.
According to a new survey, the beloved royal has been overtaken by none other than her husband, Prince William. The revelation has surprised royal watchers, as Kate has long been regarded as one of the monarchy’s most admired figures.
The latest YouGov poll shows that 74 percent of Britons now hold a positive view of the Prince of Wales. Kate follows closely behind with a 71 percent approval rating, marking a rare moment where she has been edged out of the top spot.
Princess Anne, known for her tireless dedication to royal duties, takes third place with a 70 percent approval score. Meanwhile, King Charles sits in fourth position with 59 percent, showing that the monarch remains generally well liked despite challenges during his reign.
However, the poll also exposed the continued unpopularity of certain royals. Prince Andrew ranks near the bottom, with a staggering 87 percent of Britons holding a negative opinion of the Duke of York.
The data further revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to face low public approval in the United Kingdom. Only 28 percent of those surveyed view Harry positively, while just 20 percent say the same about Meghan. These figures remain among the lowest recorded since their royal departure.
For Kate, the dip in her ranking is not seen as a dramatic loss, but it is a notable shift given her long-standing reign as the nation’s favorite royal. The Princess of Wales has often topped popularity polls thanks to her elegance, warmth, and commitment to public service.
This comes after a deeply personal year for Kate. Earlier in 2025, she publicly shared that she was undergoing cancer treatment, a revelation that prompted an outpouring of support from across the world. Her candidness about the journey and her resilience in the face of illness earned her widespread admiration.
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Following months of treatment, Kate confirmed she was in remission. In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, she expressed her gratitude for the support she had received and reflected on the process of healing after a serious diagnosis.
“As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal,” she said. “I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead.”
Kate also returned to the hospital where she received her treatment to thank the medical staff who cared for her. The visit was a symbolic moment that highlighted her commitment to using her platform to raise awareness about cancer support and recovery.
While her popularity remains exceptionally high, royal commentators note that the shift in rankings may be influenced by Prince William’s increased public presence. In recent months, the heir to the throne has taken on more engagements, championed mental health initiatives, and spoken openly about key issues affecting the United Kingdom.
Experts believe this visible leadership has boosted William’s standing with the public, giving him a slight edge over his wife in the latest poll. However, they also stress that the pair remain Britain’s most admired royal couple and are seen as central to the monarchy’s future.
Despite the change in rankings, Kate Middleton continues to inspire with her resilience, grace, and dedication to her role. As she embraces the year ahead, it is clear that her connection with the public remains as strong as ever, even if the top spot now belongs to her husband.
