Polls currently indicate a decline in public approval of the monarchy. In the British Social Attitudes survey of 1983, 86% of respondents considered having a monarchy 'very important' or 'quite important'. However, last year's data showed that number had dropped to just 51%. The approval ratings among younger demographics are even lower. Yet, a majority still do not favor replacing the monarchy with an elected head of state. Achieving consensus on such a President might be more complicated than anticipated by republicans, spotlighting the issue of falling support.
Professor Anna Whitelock of City, University of London, notes, 'The only way the monarchy works is by everybody either being apathetic or feeling very affectionate towards it. If those bonds are broken, there really is no purpose or point of monarchy.' Recent scandals, particularly involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have strained these bonds. In an October YouGov poll, only 4% of people held a 'positive' view of Andrew during the same time he was stripped of his titles, while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had ratings of 30% and 21% respectively.
Dimbleby suggests the key challenge for the Royal Family is reestablishing its role within the modern world, a setting much removed from the era Queen Elizabeth II entered as monarch in 1952. Despite signs of forthcoming change, like recent acknowledgments from the Prince of Wales, Dimbleby considers what actions both he, as heir, and King Charles, as reigning monarch, must take to regain public support.
The survival of the monarchy depends on garnering public support, as emphasized by journalist Ian Hislop in Dimbleby's documentary series, What's The Monarchy For? 'They thrive on the oxygen of public support,' Hislop remarks, stressing the significance of public perception. Lord Janvrin, former private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, underscores risking the loss of public favor as detrimental. Meanwhile, Anna Whitelock likens the Royal Family to a brand, emphasizing the ongoing necessity of maintaining its popularity.
Innovative efforts to reshape the Royal Family's public image date back to 1969 when cameras were first brought into the family’s private life for the documentary Royal Family, broadcast on BBC and ITV, in an attempt to humanize them. In it, Queen Elizabeth II was shown engaging in everyday activities, such as buying a treat for a young Prince Edward, highlighting a relatable and personal side of the royalty.