Despite their love for Queen Elizabeth II, a new poll finds that most Canadians don’t think the monarchy is relevant to their lives anymore — some would even be willing to have Canada leave the monarchy altogether.
The new poll by the Angus Reid Institute — released shortly after Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle announced they were “stepping back” from royal duties and planning to live part-time in Canada — indicates there could be some major changes to how Canadians treat the monarchy once the Queen is no longer on the throne.
According to the poll, 66 per cent of Canadian respondents said the British monarchy is losing or has lost relevance in their lives, while 45 per cent say Canada “should not continue as a constitutional monarchy for generations and generations to come.”
“The revelations come at what the Queen herself refers to as a ‘bumpy’ time for her family, and scandals and public conflict worthy of a TV drama rather than real life rock the royals,” the pollster said.
The dwindling feelings towards the monarchy can be linked to how Canadians perceive members of the royal family. While about 67 per cent of Canadians still view the Queen favourably, Prince Charles, the next in line to the throne, didn’t do as well.
Only 38 per cent of Canadians view Charles favourably, and a 2016 poll had Canadians describe him as “boring” and “unimportant.”
“You don’t see the same level of favourability in terms of seeing a potential King Charles on our money or singing God Save the King, or swearing allegiance to the king in a citizenship ceremony,” said Shachi Kurl, executive director of the Angus Reid Institute. “It goes back up with Prince William, but of course that’s something further into the future.”
The Queen’s only relatives that were viewed more positively than her were her grandchildren Harry and William.
You don't see the same level of favourability in terms of seeing a potential King Charles on our money or singing God Save the King.
Prince Andrew, who has had to step back from public duties after allegations he had sex with an underage girl through his connections with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was only viewed favourably by 10 per cent of Canadians.
While prominent figures such as B.C. Premier John Horgan said they were “giddy” about Harry and Meghan’s potential move to Canada, the poll finds that most Canadians aren’t so supportive.
“The initial reporting and reaction was that Canadians would be absolutely thrilled and over the moon to have them,” Kurl said. “But really the most common and overwhelming reaction is one of a shrugged shoulder, of ennui.”
About 50 per cent of Canadian respondents simply said they wouldn’t care if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to their home turf. What they did have strong feeling about, however, was who would foot the bill if they did come. When asked if Canadians should help pay for the royals’ security costs while here, 73 per cent responded no.
According to Kurl, this unwillingness to cover the prince’s costs could come from his public perception as more of a celebrity than a working royal. About 47 per cent of respondents said they viewed Harry as more of a celebrity, compared to 66 per cent who viewed his brother William as more of a working member of the monarchy.
“Harry himself is personally very popular in Canada,” Kurl said. “But that sense of favourability, or good will, or popularity, doesn’t extend picking up the costs for his and his wife and child’s life here.”
In a statement released earlier this week, the Queen said, “These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.”
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