King Charles Celebrates Two Years on the Throne With Record Approval Ratings

Royals | By Olivia Bennett | March 31, 2026

King Charles III marked the second anniversary of his accession to the throne this week with approval ratings that would make most world leaders envious. A comprehensive poll conducted by YouGov found that 71% of Britons now view the King favorably — up 15 points from his coronation day in May 2023 — with particularly strong support among younger demographics that had traditionally been skeptical of the monarchy.

Royal analysts attribute the surge in popularity to Charles's hands-on approach to the role, his visible empathy during national crises, and a modernization agenda that has opened Buckingham Palace to the public more than any previous reign. The King's decision to trim the working royal family to a core group of 10 senior members and redirect savings toward affordable housing has been particularly well-received, as has his passionate advocacy for climate action on the world stage.

"Charles has confounded the skeptics," said royal historian Dr. Sarah Bradford. "There was genuine concern that the transition from Queen Elizabeth would diminish the monarchy's standing. Instead, he's found a way to be both traditional and progressive — respecting the institution's heritage while making it relevant to a 21st-century audience. It's a remarkable achievement."

The anniversary was marked with a low-key reception at Windsor Castle attended by members of the royal family, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Notably absent were the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, though a Palace spokesperson confirmed that Harry had called his father privately to offer congratulations. The King used the occasion to announce a new charitable initiative focused on youth employment, pledging 30 million pounds to create apprenticeships in green energy and technology sectors.