Most British republicans are motivated by 'principle', new poll finds

Even most republicans see no benefit in abolishing the monarchy, new poll reveals

• Most people said they would only want to get rid of monarchy out of principle
• Read: King Charles is said to have a ten-year plan to transform the monarchy 

Even those who would vote for a republic agree that the monarchy works – with most telling the poll they only want to get rid of it out of principle.

Of respondents that would back removing the monarchy tomorrow, less than a third (28 per cent) told the study by Lord Ashcroft that they would do so because it ‘would bring real practical benefits’.

Most of them (66 per cent) said so because the Royal Family ‘is wrong in principle, so we should replace it whether there are practical benefits or not’.

In contrast, two thirds (68 per cent) of those who would vote to keep the monarchy would do so because it was a good thing for Britain with 23 per cent saying the alternative would be worse.

As one focus group respondent said: ‘They’re not political, that’s what I like.’

Even those who would vote for a republic agree that the monarchy works – with most telling the poll they only want to get rid of it out of principle

The figures lay bare just how popular the institution is even among those against it

READ MORE: Britain’s rock solid support for the Royal Family: With Charles’ Coronation just four days away, a major poll reveals there is little appetite for republicanism… but reform is needed 

The figures also lay bare just how popular the institution is even among those against it.

Since the Queen’s death a handful of activists have chanted ‘Not my King’ at Charles III with some attempting to hurl eggs at him.

But they are in the minority and in Liverpool last week they were drowned out by schoolchildren delighted to see the monarch.

Focus group respondents also showed most of the country remains strongly in favour of a monarchy. One remarked: ‘I quite like having a Royal Family. 

‘I think it’s just part of Britain. I’ve grown up here so I’m used to it, and I can’t imagine being without it.’

Another said: ‘When we do a state visit, nobody else can offer what we can. People might come to the UK and go, ‘Great, dinner with Rishi Sunak’. 

But if there’s a state [visit], red carpets rolled out and it’s the Royal Family, I think that’s something.’

Of respondents that would back removing the monarchy tomorrow, less than a third (28 per cent) told the study by Lord Ashcroft that they would do so because it ‘would bring real practical benefits’

And over a third (38 per cent) of republican respondents did agree that the Royal Family does a better job of connecting with ordinary people than elected politicians.

Some 22 per cent say it helps unite people and 16 per cent say it gives us more stability.

Despite the data showing a significant proportion of anti-monarchists have nuanced views on the Crown a handful have sought to impose themselves on the Coronation.

Supporters of anti-monarchy campaign group Republic are planning to stage a protest on the procession route next to a statue of Charles I, who was beheaded in 1649, leading to Oliver Cromwell’s short-lived republic.

Though such is the strength of feeling for the monarchy that there appears a degree of apathy among republicans.

More than three quarters of pro-republic voters agreed that ‘in an ideal world we wouldn’t have the monarchy, but there are more important things for the country to deal with’.

Source: Read Full Article