Reuters/ Ipsos MORI poll shows that half of the public are interested in the Royal Wedding on 29th April but a quarter are not at all interested.
Most Britons remain in favour of the monarchy, and perceptions of its long term staying power have increased.
Half of the public say they are interested in the forthcoming royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton (52%) Those who are most interested in the royal couple’s big day include women (65%), people aged 65+ (65%), Conservative voters (64%), and people of social grade DE (59%). The 25% who are not at all interested include men (34%), those who live in the Midlands (31%) and Labour voters (29%). Over half say they are likely to watch the event (56%). One in five say they will definitely watch it (22%).
Three-quarters of the public would like Britain to remain a monarchy (75%), with around one in five (18%) in favour of Britain becoming a republic. Levels of support for the status quo have changed very little since we first started asking this question in 1993. Those most likely to favour Britain becoming a republic include those in London and Labour voters (26% and 27% respectively).
Looking ahead, a large majority of people (84%) believe that we will still have a monarchy in 10 years’ time. However, this drops to 56% who believe this will be the case in 50 years’ time, and 37% in 100 years’ time. In each instance, public belief that the monarchy will remain in place has increased since 2006.
The public is split on whether the Royal Family is out of touch with ordinary people (44% while 41% disagree).
The current focus on Prince William has not affected public opinion of his father’s claim to the throne. As in 2005, opinion is split on whether Charles should step aside to allow William to become king; 46% think Charles should relinquish his right to ascend the throne compared with 47% who say he should not.
Ipsos MORI interviewed a representative sample of 1,000 adults aged 18+ across Great Britain. Interviews were conducted by telephone 15-17th April 2011. Data are weighted to match the profile of the population.