Could William and Kate follow in Meghan and Harry’s footsteps? With royal support at an all-time low among Gen Z after King Charles’ coronation, here’s what would happen if the monarchy was abolished

May 28 , 2023

Prince William and his family – Princess Charlotte, Kate Middleton, Prince Louis and Prince George – are sitting pretty as the next royals in line to the throne, but could the institution be abolished before they get there? Photo: AP

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stunned the world when they left the royal family to pursue financial independence, but if the monarchy were no more, William and Kate would have to do the same

And while Queen Elizabeth passed on land, jewels and royal residences to King Charles after her death, Buckingham Palace would likely become a full-time tourist attraction if abolition occurred

King Charles’ coronation was watched with mixed emotions by royal fans and antimonarchy protesters alike – but recent polls suggest that interest in the royal family is declining. And, if the monarchy were to be abolished, the royal family could follow Harry and Meghan’s example.

King Charles made history as the oldest British monarch when he was crowned on May 6 – at age 74. The ceremony at Westminster Abbey was celebrated in London and around the world, as thousands of people hosted street parties in honour of the new king.

Britain’s King Charles, the Prince of Wales and Prince George pose for a photo on the day of the coronation on May 6. Photo: Royal Household 2023 via AP

But not everyone was overjoyed by the celebrations. Among the crowds watching the coronation procession were antimonarchy protesters who held signs that read “Not my king” and “This country is ours”.

Anti-monarchy protesters gather among well-wishers ahead of the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla on May 6. Photo: AP

Recent figures suggest there is less public support for the monarchy than in previous years, particularly among young people. Just under 40 per cent of UK citizens between the ages of 18 and 24 would prefer an elected head of state rather than a monarch, according to an April 2023 YouGov poll of 4,592 adults for the BBC’s Panorama current affairs programme.

While Gen Z seem hard to convince, polls show 58 per cent of the British public still support the monarchy now that King Charles is on the throne. Photo: AP

While the overall results showed support for the monarchy, with 58 per cent of all people polled preferring the institution to an elected head of state, the support among Gen Z remained significantly lower, with just 32 per cent of people aged between 18 and 24 saying they support the monarchy, according to YouGov.

Meanwhile, the live coronation broadcast was watched by far fewer people than Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. BBC News stats show the coronation was watched by an average of 18.8 million people in the UK compared to 26.5 million people who watched the funeral service in September.