Majority of survey respondents are opposed to Charles becoming King of Canada.
By Jessica Wang
King Charles' coronation on May 6 is likely the first coronation most Canadians will witness — if any watch at all, according to survey results.
A new online poll from Canadian research non-profit organization Angus Reid Institute reveals that 60% of respondents oppose even recognizing Charles as king, with 48% having an unfavorable view of him.
The longest-serving Prince of Wales immediately became king after Queen Elizabeth II died on Sept. 8, 2022, but he will have his title formalized at the coronation. As a constitutional monarchy since 1534, Canada is under the control of the crown, but the Canadian government has its own power. Charles’ role as head of state is to give Canadians a collective sense of belonging, rather than rule over the country, according to the Government of Canada.
The survey reported 52% of respondents believe Charles will do worse than his predecessor. Sixty-four percent will not sing “God Save the King” at official ceremonies, and 62% do not want to see Charles on their currency, according to the survey.
Many share similar sentiments about Charles’ wife, Camilla.
In order to differentiate from ruling queens like Elizabeth II, the crown traditionally refers to the king’s wife as the queen consort.
The royal family referred to her as the queen consort up until this month, when invitations for the coronation referred to her as Queen Camilla. She will officially receive that title on May 6.
Sixty-six percent of respondents say they’re against recognizing Camilla as the Queen of Canada, and 60% say she should not be referred to as “Queen,” according to the survey.
“It is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service,” Queen Elizabeth said in her Accession Day message.
This new era of Charles may also bring changes for Canada’s future.
More Canadians believe the royals reflect outdated values, and 49% do not find the royal family relevant to them personally, while 28% feel they are becoming less relevant over time, according to the survey.
Barbados officially removed the Queen as its head of state in November 2021, and the Carribean countries of Belize, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Grenada, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis announced plans to remove the royal family as their head of state in 2022.
Sixty percent of respondents agree with the decision for those countries to split from the monarchy, while 52% believe Canada should no longer be a constitutional monarchy, according to the survey.
Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet called the monarchy an anachronism during a news conference.
To part from the monarchy, Canada would have to gain approval from the House of Commons, the Senate, and all provincial legislatures in order to change the constitution.
“It’s a coat of paint in a living room that is starting to fade in the corners,” said Blanchet.