Despite being plagued by major scandals in recent years, the Royal family remains popular with the majority of British people.

In a 2025 National Centre for Social Research British Social Attitudes survey, 51% of people in Britain believe that it is ‘very important’ or ‘quite important’ to continue having a monarchy. In 1983 this number was much stronger, with over four in five (86%) of people taking this view.

The BSA survey asked the public to choose between keeping the monarchy or replacing it with an elected head of state for the first time in 2025, with a majority (58%) favour retaining the monarchy, while nearly four in ten (38%) would prefer an elected head of state.

So how has they sustained their popularity despite being a relic from another era?

Royalism isn’t just about liking a king or queen. It’s about identity. It’s about trust. It’s about economics, nostalgia, celebrity culture, and sometimes simply the belief that the alternative might be worse.

In another poll by YouGov shows that two-thirds of the British public (65%) believe they should continue to have a monarchy. Closer to home in Australia, a similar poll by YouGov revealed in 2024, post a royal visit, that 59% of Australians would vote no in a republic referendum. This is despite our current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating that Australia becoming a republic was “common sense.”

Royalty as a national identity

For many people, the crown is more than a family — it’s the story a nation tells about itself. Monarchies become symbols of continuity, shared heritage, and unity. For some, the royal family is a part of Britain’s DNA.

Stability

What these surveys consistently show is that many citizens see monarchies as sources of stability, especially in times of political polarisation. In Australia, the argument for many republic-leaning voters is that now isn’t the time to change the system. That cautious pragmatism is a major asset for royalists.

Celebrity culture

Weddings, scandals, feuds, babies, fashion, speeches — monarchy naturally generates storylines. In a media world driven by emotional connection and entertainment, royal families offer parasocial relationships, global visibility, and symbolic drama.

Tradition, hierarchy, and moral order

Monarchies often carry moral or religious symbolism — “duty,” “service,” “the crown,” “the chosen heir.” Royalists may not use theological language anymore, but the underlying appeal of continuity through generations, a sense of duty rather than ambition, and leadership without self-promotion still resonates with many who are disillusioned with modern politics.

Who are Royalists today?

Across countries, the demographic patterns are strikingly consistent, as confirmed by the BSA survey:

• Older voters are much more likely to support the monarchy – 76% of those aged 55+ support continuation of the monarchy.

• Right-leaning voters show stronger loyalty – 82% of Conservative supporters want to keep the monarchy, while Labour supporters are evenly split (49% for the monarchy vs 48% for an elected head of state).

• People with strong national identity (especially ethnic or cultural nationalism) lean towards monarchy.

• Younger generations are more republican or indifferent – 59% of younger people aged 16–34 favour an elected head of state.

This generational gap may be monarchy’s biggest long-term challenge — but for now, older and moderate voters maintain the royalist majority, despite scandals, cost of living debates, changing attitudes, and social media criticism.