Meghan Markle approval rating hits historic low ahead of possible UK return

The figure represented an unprecedented low point for the duchess since tracking began.

Meanwhile, negative sentiment towards Meghan has climbed to 66 per cent, meaning roughly two in three people across the country view her unfavourably.

Despite the negative findings, polling also suggests favourability can vary substantially by age group and geography, with younger Britons more likely to view the Sussexes positively and recent US polls showing stronger support for both Harry and Meghan abroad.

The stark numbers emerge as reports suggest she may return to British soil for the first time since 2022.

The duchess is anticipated to travel to Birmingham this summer for an Invictus Games celebration, which would end a four-year absence from the United Kingdom.

Should the visit proceed, it would serve as a one-year countdown event ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games.

Whether the couple's two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, would join them on British soil remains unclear.

The potential trip comes at a particularly challenging moment, given the polling figures, though the Invictus Games charity, founded by Prince Harry, continues to hold significant personal importance for the duke and duchess.

Any return to the UK appears contingent upon the restoration of armed police protection for the couple. Prince Harry previously mounted an unsuccessful legal challenge against the decision to withdraw his taxpayer-funded security detail following his departure from official royal duties.

The duke lost that court battle, leaving the couple without state protection during visits to Britain.

However, the Home Secretary has since approved a request for a comprehensive risk assessment regarding their security arrangements.

This development potentially opens a pathway for the Sussexes to receive protection during their anticipated Birmingham appearance, though final arrangements remain subject to the assessment's outcome.

The new data places Meghan in stark contrast to other members of the Royal Family.

The Prince and Princess of Wales remain Britain's most beloved royals, with between 74 per cent and 77 per cent of the public viewing William and Kate positively.

King Charles maintains solid approval, with six in 10 Britons holding a favourable opinion of the monarch compared to roughly three in 10 who view him negatively.

Prince Harry's own standing mirrors his wife's difficulties, with just 31 per cent seeing the Duke of Sussex positively, while 60 per cent hold an unfavourable view.

The couple's ratings stand in sharp relief against the broader institution, which 64 per cent of Britons believe should continue.