Support for the monarchy in Britain has reached a three-decade low, according to a recent poll. Only 55% of UK residents now favor the Royal Family, marking an 11% decline since 2023 and the lowest level in 33 years of Ipsos polling on the issue.
This shift contrasts sharply with the strong backing the monarchy enjoyed during the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 when support peaked at 80%, dropping to around 60% upon her passing in September 2022.
The decline in monarchy support is particularly pronounced among younger demographics, with only 33% of 18 to 34-year-olds favoring a monarchy compared to 45% preferring a republic. In contrast, older individuals over 55 show stronger support for the royals, with 74% backing a monarchy versus 14% advocating for a republic.
While 60% of respondents express satisfaction with the current King’s performance, this level is noted to be consistent with previous ratings since his ascension. However, satisfaction ratings for the late Queen surpass those of her son, with an average of 79% from 1992 to 2022.
Prince William enjoys higher approval ratings than his father, with 71% satisfied with his work, albeit lower than his peak rating of 89% in 2012. Six in ten respondents believe the monarchy still holds significance for Britain’s future, while 30% disagree.
The survey, conducted among 1,062 UK adults in March 2026, follows the recent arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of public office misconduct. Ipsos cautions that changes in methodology since June 2025 warrant cautious comparisons with previous data.
Gideon Skinner, Ipsos’ senior director of UK political research, warns that while the majority of Britons remain pro-monarchy, the declining trend demands attention from the Royal Family. Younger generations increasingly lean towards republicanism, posing a challenge to the institution’s future relevance. Convincing young people of the monarchy’s enduring importance will be crucial in reversing this trend.