New survey reveals how many Aussies want to cut ties with British Monarchy

A new survey of Australians, taken in the days after Queen Elizabeth II’s death, has revealed a surprising viewpoint across the nation.

Australia has been rocked by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with tributes flowing from all parts of the nation for the late Monarch.

Governor-General David Hurley proclaimed King Charles III as the new King of Australia on Sunday.

“Because of the death of our blessed and glorious Queen Elizabeth II, the Crown has solely and rightfully come to Prince Charles Philip Arthur George,” Mr Hurley said.

Her Majesty the Queen died peacefully last week. Picture: Jane Barlow / POOL / AFP

Britain's King Charles III and Britain's Princess Anne, Princess Royal walk behind the hearse carrying Queen Elizabeth II's coffin during the procession from Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' Cathedral on September 12. Photo by Owen Humphreys/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Some people have sought to use this opportunity to spark change for the country, specifically calling for a referendum to be held on Australia becoming a republic.

Less than an hour after Buckingham Palace notified the world of Her Majesty's death, Australian Republican Movement chair Peter FitzSimons suggested that with the death of a “beloved monarch” Australia should call for its independence.

But on Monday, Australian citizens had the opportunity to speak their minds on the matter when the Roy Morgan SMS Poll went out to 1,012 people.

The survey, which was conducted “entirely” after King Charles III took the throne, revealed support for the Monarchy has grown over the past decade.

It was revealed that people of all ages favour the Monarchy over a Republic – nearly 66 per cent of women and 54 per cent of men favour the Crown over an elected as head of state.

Not as surprisingly, support for the monarchy is higher among older Australians, with 61 per cent of people aged over 65 leaving their loyalties with the Crown.

One of the Queen’s favourite dog breeds, a Corgi, sits among her tributes outside Buckingham Palace. Picture: Neil P. Mockford / Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. Photo by Peter Byrne - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II was 96 when she died. Photo by Royal Household/Ranald Mackechnie via Getty Images

When asked why they would choose to keep the Monarchy, people offered responses such as “why change what we have when it works?”

However, supporters of the Republican movement said it was important to make Australia a completely independent country, and that holding onto the Monarchy is an insult to First Australians.

Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine said Australians had shown confidence in the new King, while a minority wanted a Republic with an elected president.

“A look at previous results on this question shows that more Australians have been in favour of remaining as a Monarchy than becoming a Republic consistently since November 2010. “Prior to that point, there was a consistent majority in favour of becoming a Republic from 1994-2008,” Ms Levine said.

Around 60 per cent of Australians want to keep the Monarchy, even with King Charles as the Head of State. Picture: Jane Barlow / WPA Pool / Getty Images

Originally published as New survey reveals how many Aussies want to cut ties with British Monarchy