(06/29/11) -

Royal Family Image Improves as Visit to Canada Approaches

Despite increase in popularity, Canadians continue to be divided on future of Monarchy in Canada.

A new Angus Reid Public Opinion poll has found over the past three months there has been a positive change in Canadian opinions of individual royals, this following the Royal Wedding and in the lead-up to the Royal Visit to Canada.

Key Findings

• 74% (+14) have a favourable opinion of Prince William; 68% (+25) like Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
• Most commonly used words to describe feelings toward the royal visit: Indifference (44%), pride (34%), enthusiasm (34%) and joy (32%)
• 33% think Canada should sever all ties with the British monarchy, while 58% oppose

In the online survey of a representative national sample of 1,001 Canadians, a strong majority (74%) have a mostly favourable opinion of Prince William, up 14 points from 60 per cent in December. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge is liked by 68 per cent of Canadians and increase of 25 points since December. She is now tied with Queen Elizabeth II (68% +12), as the second most favoured member of the royal family. Two thirds (64%) have a mostly favourable opinion of Prince Harry, another increase from December. Holding steady are the numbers for Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, as nearly half of Canadians have a mostly unfavourable opinion of each of them (46% and 49% respectively).

While the positive reaction to most individual royals has increased in June, it is older Canadians who hold the highest opinions of these royal family members. Two thirds of Canadians (81%) aged 55 or older have a favourable opinion of Prince William compared to 63 per cent of those aged 18-34. While 58 per cent of 18-34 year olds report liking William’s wife, Catherine, compared to 76 per cent of those 55 plus.

The Monarchy

One third of Canadians (33%) think Canada should sever all ties with the British Monarchy. Quebecers (58%) are the most likely to feel dissolving this attachment is the best way forward. Two-in-five (40%) Canadians also feel that institutions inherited from the British monarchy – such as the Governor General of Canada and the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec – should be abolished.

While most Quebecers may like to see an end to Canada’s ties with the Monarchy, they are split in their feelings over the recent statement by Quebec Solidaire MNA, Amir Khadir, where he called the monarchy is a “parasitic system”; 46 percent agree with him, while 45 per cent disagree. Only 27 per cent of Canadians agree with Khadir’s proclamation.

Reaction to the Upcoming Royal Visit

When asked their feelings toward the upcoming seven city Royal visit to Canada, a plurality of Canadians (44%) reports feeling indifferent. Beyond this indifference, which is being largely driven by attitudes in Quebec, pride (34%), enthusiasm (34%) and joy (32%) are also commonly used terms, though most indicate that it is not likely that they will attend an event featuring William and Kate (86%).

When asked whether they thought the royal couple should not receive any special treatment while visiting Canada, three-in-five (65%) Canadians disagree. Quebecers on the other hand, were most likely to agree that the royal couple does not in fact need any preferential treatment (52%). Despite a less favourable view towards the Monarchy than in the rest of Canada, Quebecers are just as likely as others (57%) to agree that the demonstrations planned by certain groups during the royal couple’s visit will tarnish Canada’s image internationally.

Overall, Royal Family visits to Canada continue to divide Canadians; 42 per cent would like to see more royal visits to the country (+8 since December) while 44% (-4) oppose the idea.

After Queen Elizabeth II

In the event that Queen Elizabeth dies or chooses to abdicate the throne, one quarter (23%, down 12 points from December) of Canadians would prefer that she be the last monarch.Canadians continue to select Prince William as their choice for king (47%, up 14 points since December) over his father Prince Charles (18%, +4).

Despite this improved view of Prince William, a majority of Canadians respond that it would not make any difference to their views of the Monarchy should he ascend to the throne (70%), while one fourth (23%) report they would have a more positive view and only two per cent report a negative reaction to this change.

Full Report, Detailed Tables and Methodology (PDF)

Methodology: On June 25 to June 27, 2011, Angus Reid Public Opinion conducted an online survey among 1,001 randomly selected Canadian adults who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 3.2%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Canada. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.