**Support for UK Monarchy Hits Record Low – Poll**
Public support for the British monarchy has reached its lowest point in over thirty years, according to a recent poll conducted by Ipsos. The survey indicates that nearly half of Britons now favor abolishing the monarchy, with the sentiment particularly pronounced among younger demographics.
The data reveals a significant decline in support for the monarchy, which peaked at 80% in 2012 but has since fallen to just 55% in 2026. This latest figure marks the lowest level of support recorded by Ipsos since it began tracking public opinion on the monarchy in 1993, and it is considerably below the long-term average of 71%.
The decline in support spans all age groups, but it is especially notable among younger individuals aged 18 to 34. In this group, only one-third of respondents expressed support for the monarchy, a stark decrease from approximately two-thirds in 2013. In contrast, 45% of young adults indicated a preference for the UK to transition to a republic.
Despite the waning support for the institution as a whole, approval ratings for King Charles III and his heir, Prince William, remain relatively high. The poll indicated that 60% of respondents expressed satisfaction with King Charles's performance, while 71% felt positively about Prince William's role.
The monarchy's reputation has been affected by controversies, particularly involving Prince Andrew, King Charles's brother. Prince Andrew's association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has drawn significant public scrutiny. In 2014, he was accused of being involved in Epstein's sex trafficking activities, allegations he has consistently denied. In 2022, he settled a civil lawsuit with one of Epstein’s victims, Virginia Giuffre, while maintaining his innocence. More recently, in 2026, British police launched a criminal investigation into Andrew following the release of documents suggesting he may have provided confidential information to Epstein.
Buckingham Palace has stated that the Royal family is prepared to cooperate with the investigation, emphasizing that King Charles's thoughts are with the victims of abuse. The Palace's commitment to support the probe was reiterated in a statement released in February.
Public sentiment towards Prince Andrew remains overwhelmingly negative. A separate poll conducted by YouGov in April found that over 90% of Britons hold a negative view of him, making him the most disliked member of the Royal family.
The monarchy's influence appears to be waning not only in the UK but also in former British colonies. Several nations are contemplating severing their ties to the Crown. Barbados recently became a republic in 2021 while remaining a member of the Commonwealth. A survey by former Conservative Party deputy chairman Michael Ashcroft in 2023 indicated that six of the 14 Commonwealth realms, including Canada and Australia, would prefer to move away from the monarchy.
As public opinion continues to shift, the future of the British monarchy remains uncertain, with ongoing debates about its relevance and role in contemporary society. The Ipsos poll reflects a growing sentiment among the British public, particularly among younger generations, that may shape the monarchy's trajectory in the years to come.