The Princess of Wales has pipped husband Prince William to the post to be named the UK’s most popular royal, according to research.
A new YouGov poll found that three-quarters of Brits (76 per cent) have a positive view of Kate, up six points since previous polling at the start of the year. It has been a difficult year for the 42-year-old so far. In January she underwent major abdominal surgery and at the time of her operation it was thought that her condition was non-cancerous, as no tests had confirmed the presence of cancer. However, post-operative tests confirmed that cancer had been present and she is now taking time away from public life while she undergoes a course of chemotherapy that started in February.
Her increase in popularity now means her husband William is the second most popular royal, with his popularity rating at 73 per cent. Unexpectedly, he is followed in the ranking by his aunt Princess Anne, who is known for going about her duties with minimal fuss and is viewed positively by 71 per cent of people.
In fourth place is King Charles on 63 per cent, Prince Edward on 54 per cent, with Queen Camilla appearing to divide opinion with a popularity rating of 50 per cent. Prince Harry is marginally more popular than wife Meghan Markle, with the Duke of Sussex popular among 31 per cent of Brits and Meghan popular with 26 per cent of Brits. Prince Andrew is at the bottom of the ranking with only six per cent of those asked having a positive view of him.
Meanwhile, the YouGov poll also found that overall 58 per cent of Brits have a positive view of the monarch. However, this ranges from 79 per cent of over-65s to just 32 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds.
News of Kate being the most popular royal in the UK now comes after she surprised several royal fans with a ‘beautiful’ gesture – just weeks after revealing her cancer diagnosis. Kate is currently spending time with Prince William and her three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for the Easter holidays.
When news of her surgery was made public in mid-January, well-wishers from around the globe sent get-well messages and cards to Kate sending their best wishes. And over the past few days, many have taken to social media to show the replies being sent to them from Kensington Palace on behalf of the princess.
One of them was X user Allexmarie, who posted a photo of the thank you card she received after sending a get-well card when Kate’s surgery was announced. The card, with the Kensington Palace letterhead, reads: “Thank you for your kind well wishes to Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales. Your thoughtful gesture is very much appreciated.”
And Allexmarie wrote: “Today I received this beautiful acknowledgement and I can honestly say I shall treasure this my entire life. The envelope has Kensington Palace on the back lol hubby thought he was going to have to get his suit out for a garden party (silly him) but he is just as blown away as I am to receive this beautiful and much-treasured card. Continued prayers and healing to our beautiful Princess of Wales.”
It is not known how long Kate will be receiving treatment but it is understood she may be keen to attend events as and when she feels able to, in line with medical advice, although this will not indicate a return to full-time duties. William will continue to balance supporting his wife and family and maintaining his official duties as he has done since her operation. The prince is due to return to public duties after his children return to school following the Easter break next week.
