A recent survey conducted by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) indicates a significant decline in public support for the monarchy in the UK. The British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey revealed that backing for the monarchy has reached its lowest level since the question was first introduced to the public 40 years ago.
Initially, in 1983, approximately 86% of Britons viewed the monarchy as either ‘very important’ or ‘quite important.’ However, in 2024, only around 51% hold this view, showcasing a substantial shift in public opinion over the years. Conversely, the percentage of individuals who consider the monarchy ‘not very important’ or ‘not at all important’ has risen from 10% in 1983 to 31% in 2024. Additionally, there has been an increase in support for the abolition of the monarchy, rising from 3% in 1983 to 15% in 2024.
The data from BSA highlights that older individuals and Conservative voters are more inclined to support the monarchy compared to younger generations and Labour supporters. Support for the monarchy has fluctuated over the years in response to significant events. While it experienced a surge in popularity in 2011 and 2012 during events like Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding, Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, and the London Olympics, support has steadily declined since then, with a slight uptick following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022.
Alex Scholes, Research Director at the National Centre for Social Research, emphasized the noticeable shift in public opinion regarding the monarchy. Despite the declining importance attributed to the monarchy, a majority of the public still favors retaining it over transitioning to an elected head of state. This dichotomy between diminishing significance and continued preference will play a crucial role in shaping future debates about the monarchy’s role.
These survey results coincide with the upcoming state visit of US President Donald Trump to the UK. King Charles is set to host President Trump at Windsor Castle, where the US leader will receive a ceremonial welcome and attend a state banquet. This visit marks President Trump’s second state visit to the UK, a notable gesture for a US president.