Data: Royal interview most-watched show in Toowoomba

An overwhelming majority of Toowoomba residents tuned into the interview that stopped the nation. Here’s what locals had to say about the royals after their interview.

Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey proved to be popular viewing in Toowoomba.

It was the interview that stopped the nation – lovers and haters of the royal family tuned into Oprah with Meghan and Harry on Monday night and every person came away with differing opinions on what was said, and the royal couple themselves.

But among all the mixed reviews and criticism for the royal couple, one thing was clear – it was popular viewing among Toowoomba residents.

The two-hour prime time special was the most-watched, non-news program in Toowoomba on Monday night.

Oprah with Meghan and Harry won its timeslot, reaching 36,648 Toowoomba residents in their loungerooms, with a commercial share of 37.1 per cent.

Nationally, the interview amassed 1.78 million viewers.

Talks then began about the prospect of Australia breaking away from the monarchy to become a republic.

Chronicle readers took to Facebook to express their opinions.

“The monarchy doesn’t ask for anything from us except reciprocal agreements which benefit us more than them,” Kym Lorraine said.

“In a similar way the UK regrets Brexit we would be left without trade deals, visa deals, military deals – anyone who understands basic international relations, politics and business understands it is ridiculous.”

Stephen Mysliwy disagreed, describing the interview and the revelations as the “best ad for a republic”.

“Time to grow up,” he said.