Not Kate Middleton or King Charles - Brits choose 'most popular' Royal Family member

The findings of the Royal popularity rankings for 2026 have been revealed in a new Channel 5 documentary. During what has proved a turbulent time for the Royal Family in recent years, the public has developed firm views about the present state and future direction of the monarchy. Over the last six years, significant changes have included Prince Harry and Meghan Markle resigning from royal duties, King Charles ascending to the throne, and more recently, controversy surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein . Beyond the controversy, King Charles and the Princess of Wales both disclosed their respective cancer diagnoses in 2024. The Princess of Wales has since confirmed she is in remission, while the King is still believed to be undergoing treatment. A fresh poll, determined by members of the public, places the Royal Family in order from least popular to most admired. The Channel 5 programme explores reputation, duty and dedication, alongside scandal, scrutiny and the demands of contemporary life, to show who commands public approval and who splits opinion. Considering recent royal developments and the findings, commentators offered their perspectives in the documentary. Speaking about Kate's cancer battle and her approach to royal responsibilities, GB News host Andrew Pierce said: "She's got the rockstar quality, which [Princess] Diana had." Dr Andrew Lownie, author and historian, added: "She will make a brilliant queen and I think we're jolly lucky to have her as the Queen in waiting." In the survey findings, Catherine claimed second place among the most popular royals, securing an approval rating of 75 per cent, putting her ahead of the much-admired Princess Anne at 69 per cent and King Charles at 61. Topping the poll, however, was the future King, Prince William at 76 per cent. This follows reports that his popularity took a hit in 2023 in the wake of Prince Harry's memoir Spare. "A lot of people thought it was media speculation but it's well reported now [that] Harry and William do not speak," Andrew shared. In the book, Harry made a series of revelations about his family, including an alleged physical altercation with William. Since 2020, he and Meghan have been based in the United States with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, having stepped away from their official royal duties. Offering her take on the poll outcome, royal commentator Daisy McAndrew said: "There have been so many moments throughout William's life where the country has been cheering him on. And we know that one day we are going to be watching him on the throne and people want him to be successful. "We are going to be watching him on the throne and people want him to be successful," she added. "William does have the hopes, beliefs and love of the nation pushing him on, he's our boy."