Public support for the British monarchy has fallen below 50% for the first time, according to a new Savanta poll that also reveals widespread distrust of the royal family’s handling of the Prince Andrew scandal.
The poll, commissioned by the anti-monarchy group Republic, found that only 46% of respondents said they support the monarchy, down from 60% in June, while 39% said they oppose it.
Most respondents said they believed members of the royal family knew about Andrew’s alleged behavior before it became public.
Sixty-one per cent said it was “likely” the royals were aware of the allegations, and 57% called for an investigation into what senior figures knew and when.
More than three-quarters of those surveyed said Andrew should face a criminal investigation, and 70% said police had not done enough.
Nearly seven in 10 respondents said stripping him of his titles was an inappropriate punishment.
Republic chief executive Graham Smith said the results show “the monarchy is in serious trouble”, adding that “people clearly want a wider inquiry” and a “national debate about the future of the monarchy”. .
The report is based on a statement published by Republic on its website, which summarizes the Savanta survey commissioned by the group.
