Most Canadians Don’t Want Prince Charles As Their Head of State

A study released on Victoria Day takes a look at what Canadians think of the monarchy.

Shortly after the birth of Princess Charlotte, Forum Research polled Canadian voters about the monarchy, finding that more than half of Canadian adults (54 per cent) don’t want Prince Charles to become Canada’s Head of State after the death of his mother. Fewer than one third of respondents (31 per cent) thought that he should become the Head of State, while 73 per cent of respondents agreed that the Head of State of Canada should be Canadian-born and live in Canada.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall pictured outside their home following #VEDay70 commemorations in London.

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Those who supported Prince Charles becoming the Head of State tended be in the oldest demographic (37 per cent), live in Alberta or B.C. (37 per cent each), support Conservative and Liberals (37 per cent each), sit in mid-income groups ($60K to $80K; 38 per cent) and be less educated (36 per cent).

Just fewer than four in 10 Canadians (39 per cent) were in favour of abolishing the monarchy in Canada after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, while 45 per cent were opposed to this idea. The idea of abolishing the monarchy was more popular in younger voters (49 per cent), males (44 per cent), the wealthy ($80K to $100K; 46 per cent), those in Quebec (71 per cent) and mothers of children under 18 (46 per cent).

The Queen viewing the Sentebale #HIVGarden at the Chelsea Flower Show.

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The study found that 44 per cent of Canadians agreed that all citizens should swear the Oath to the Queen, while 45 per cent disagreed.

The findings form the study were very similar to Forum Research’s poll after the birth of Prince George in July 2013.

"These measures appear to be static across two years, but you must remember that we polled immediately after a royal birth each time,” said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff. “It is clear there are a substantial number of people who, while they support the monarchy in Canada, don’t necessarily support the Heir Apparent.”