A majority of Britons (52%) are not interested in King Charles’s coronation, with just 15% “very interested” and 29% only “fairly interested,” a new YouGov poll has revealed.
The poll also shows a large majority (73%) believe the royals should pay for the procession and ceremony – with 37% saying they should pay for the entire coronation and 36% saying they should pay for the procession and ceremony whilst the UK Government funds things like police and security.
If given the choice 61% would not contribute their taxes to fund the event.
Coronation apathy is particularly high among younger age groups, with 75% of people aged between 18 and 24 saying they do not care “very much” or “at all” about the event, and 69% of those aged between 25 and 49 saying the same.
Even among the over-65s, the most pro-royal demographic, 53% said they did not care “very much” or “at all.”
The poll sample size was 2,002 adults and fieldwork was undertaken between 29th-30th March 2023.
Campaign group Republic welcomed the results and called on broadcasters to do better in reflecting the diversity of views on the monarchy and the coronation.
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Speaking for the group, Graham Smith said: “When only 15% are enthusiastic about the coronation and – according to other polls – more than 30% want the monarchy abolished, it’s hard to claim this is a national celebration. Or that we’re a nation of royalists.
“Of course, it’s easy to be fairly interested even if you’re also fairly indifferent to the monarchy. It’s a big event that’s being endlessly promoted with few critical voices being heard on TV and radio. But that’s a far cry from the national enthusiasm and celebration being projected by some in the media.
“The picture is clear: we are not a nation gearing up to celebrate the coronation – and that’s a good thing. Most of us aren’t that interested, and most of us think the royals should pay. A growing number of us want the monarchy abolished.
“Sadly, this won’t change the fact that the coronation will be trumpeted as a national event and the taxpayer will still pick up the £100m bill.”
King Charles III’s coronation will take place on Saturday May 6 at Westminster Abbey in London. The King will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort and a host of other events have been planned.
The King’s procession route starts in Buckingham Palace down The Mall to Trafalgar Square, then it travels through Whitehall to end at Westminster Abbey
Dignitaries, celebrities, heads of state and other royals will all be in attendance.
Large crowds of royal fans are expected to flock to central London for the occasion and London and Windsor are preparing for parades, crowds and street parties to mark the first coronation in 70 years.
Hundreds of parties, picnics and all sort of events have been planned by local councils and members of the public.
