Support for the British monarchy remains relatively strong, but polling continues to point to a generational divide in attitudes towards the Royal Family.
Recent YouGov polling found that 62 per cent of Britons believe the UK should continue to have a monarchy.
However, younger adults are less supportive than older generations, with surveys showing that many 18- to 24-year-olds are split between retaining the monarchy and preferring an elected head of state.
Among 18 to 24-year-olds, only 30 per cent say the monarchy is “good for Britain”, but among over-65s, that rises to 77 per cent.
YouGov polling also shows that just 41 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds say they want Britain to remain a monarchy, compared with 42 per cent who favour a republic.
The findings come as Prince William attempts to reshape perceptions of the monarchy through a greater emphasis on social impact projects connected to the Duchy of Cornwall.
Speaking to The Sunday Times this weekend, William said he wanted the Duchy to become “a force for good” and acknowledged that the estate was “learning as we go”.
He added that the Duchy needed to remain “open to change where it is needed”.
Young Britons appear to be split on the monarchy despite Prince William being ‘open to change’
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The Duchy of Cornwall, a £1billion estate spanning around 128,000 acres, provides the Prince of Wales with a private income estimated at more than £20million annually.
William has recently announced plans to sell around 20 per cent of the Duchy’s land holdings over the next decade to reinvest roughly £500million into affordable housing and environmental initiatives.
Among the projects highlighted by Kensington Palace is a £3million housing development at Nansledan in Cornwall, being delivered in partnership with the homelessness charity St Petrocs through William’s Homewards programme.
The scheme aims to provide accommodation and support services for people at risk of homelessness.
LATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTS
William and Catherine, Princess of Wales continue to rank among the most popular members of the Royal Family in national polling
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William’s intervention follows scrutiny of royal finances in recent years.
In 2024, investigations by The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches examined how the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster generated income through rents and commercial arrangements involving public bodies and charities.
The Duchy later confirmed it would stop charging rent to some community organisations, including lifeboat stations, village halls and school playing fields.
Polling suggests younger Britons remain more sceptical about the value and relevance of the monarchy than older voters.
The Princess of Wales, with her three children, faced Republic protests during Trooping the Colour last year
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Only 34 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds say the Royal Family is good value for money, while 47 per cent say it is bad value.
A 2023 YouGov survey ahead of King Charles III’s Coronation found that younger respondents were divided over whether the Royal Family represented good value for money.
Separate YouGov favourability trackers published this year also showed that attitudes towards senior royals tend to become more positive with age.
Despite that divide, William and Catherine, Princess of Wales continue to rank among the most popular members of the Royal Family in national polling.