Huge boost for Charles as new poll shows what Brits think of monarchy after Andrew scandal

YouGov published a poll today (April 21) asking Britons about their views of individual royals and the institution itself.

The British Royal Family Attend The 2026 Easter Matins Service At St George's Chapel
King Charles (Image: Getty)
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

A new poll suggests almost 65% percent of Britons want to keep the monarchy, despite the scandal surrounding former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. To mark what would have been the late Queen Elizabeth II 100th birthday, YouGov published a poll today (April 21) asking Britons about their views of individual royals, as well as the institution itself.

The research is part of their quarterly update on attitudes towards The Firm. It found that a clear majority both want to keep the monarchy, and think it is good for the country (64% and 59% respectively). The poll will make pleasing reading for Buckingham Palace, with King Charles found to be popular with 60% of Britons, as was the case in the previous poll they conducted.

However, one in three (34%) have a negative view of the monarch.

Charles’ mother, the late Queen Elizabeth remains the most popular among former and current royals, with 81% of Britons saying they have a positive opinion of her, including 51% who have a “very positive” view.

Prince William and wife Catherine continue to be the most popular among living royals, with 76% and 75% positive ratings respectively, closely followed by Princess Anne (70%).

Public opinion towards Prince Harry and wife Meghan continue continues to be poor, with only 30% and 20% of Britons taking a favourable view, respectively.

But Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is by far the least popular, with only 3% saying they had a positive view of the former prince. 93% have a negative view of him, 85% of whom had a “very negative” view.

The Royal Family has been dealing with the issue of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for years, disgraced by his association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He was recently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his connection with Epstein, and released under investigation.

The King had previously stripped his younger brother of his royal titles amid public pressure. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has always strongly denied any wrongdoing.

The survey polled 2,129 adult residents of Great Britain, with fieldwork taking place on April 13 and 14, 2026. You can find the full results here.

A heartfelt tribute from King Charles to his “darling Mama” was broadcast today, marking the centenary of her birth, but he said much of life today would likely have “troubled her deeply”.

He described how his late mother, who reigned for a record-breaking 70 years, “remained constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served”.

Charles acknowledged the many challenges and issues nationally and across the globe that may have caused her reason for concern, and renewed his “own solemn pledge of duty and service to you all”.