FOR the first time, more people under 45 would prefer an elected head of state than a monarch, new statistics have shown.
A recent poll by Savanta found that 42% of those under 45 now prefer an elected head of state, with 39% preferring a monarchy.
In November the same poll put the monarchy 3 points ahead among the under 45s. Now, a republic is 3 points ahead.
Responding to the news, CEO of anti-monarchy campaign group Republic, Graham Smith, said support for the monarchy was “falling fast”.
He continued: “This isn’t just young people, this is adults well into their careers, people who have no interest in the monarchy and who are increasingly looking at the alternative.
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"With support falling so sharply it is clearly time for a proper, robust and honest debate on the monarchy's future.
The survey took place between March 1 to 4 and interviewed 2256 UK adults.
Overall support for the monarchy remains a long way down from ten years ago, at around 50%.
We previously reported on a campaign which hopes to reform the Freedom of Information Act so that the royal family are no longer exempt.
Currently, people have no right to ask the royal household for documents or information, while any correspondence between the Government and other public bodies and the family are also exempt.
The latest figures show the most support for the monarchy is coming from the over-55s.
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Smith said recent problems facing the royal family, including Prince Andrew’s return to public life and uncertainty around the health of Kate Middleton, would only serve to “push people away” from the monarchy.
He added: “The implication of media coverage, that the health of billionaires with access to the best treatment is more newsworthy than the crisis in the NHS, and the drastic reduction in royal engagements will only raise more questions about the monarchy's values, and whether this is a value-for-money monarchy.
"The country is facing numerous problems at the moment, yet with the royals we increasingly see a workshy, entitled group of people who are apparently beyond the reach of the law.
"It's no wonder those who haven't learned a long habit of looking up to the monarchy are increasingly turning away from it."
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