Foreign Media: European Monarchs' Approval Ratings Far Surpass Elected Leaders, with Average Gap Nearly 30 Percentage Points
According to survey data released by Morning Consult in April 2026, in eight monarchies across Europe, royal family members consistently enjoyed significantly higher approval ratings than their respective country's elected leaders, with an average gap approaching 30 percentage points—without exception.
Specifically, the largest disparity was observed in Spain: King Felipe VI had an approval rating of 76%, while Prime Minister Sánchez stood at just 38%, a difference of nearly 40 percentage points. In Denmark, King Frederik X reached the highest approval rating at 80%, compared to Prime Minister Frederiksen’s 43%. Luxembourg recorded the smallest gap, with Grand Duke Henri at 69% versus Prime Minister Frieden at 49%—still a 20-point difference. In the UK, King Charles III had a 53% approval rating, while Prime Minister Starmer trailed at 27%. The Netherlands saw King Willem-Alexander at 63% versus Prime Minister Ytterberg at 28%; Belgium recorded King Philippe at 66% versus Prime Minister De Croo at 35%; Norway showed King Harald V at 61% versus Prime Minister Støre at 31%; and Sweden reported King Carl XVI Gustaf at 55% versus Prime Minister Kristersson at 38%.
Analysts believe the core reason behind the consistently high approval ratings among monarchs lies in their role positioning: royal figures transcend political parties and remain detached from day-to-day policy decisions, thereby avoiding public criticism. In contrast, elected leaders must confront controversial policies related to inflation, immigration, public services, and more, inevitably leading to public division and declining approval ratings.
Original Source: toutiao.com/article/1864094814853127/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.