GOD SAVE THE KING: A STUDY OF CHANGING MONARCHICAL SUPPORT AS BRITISH PEOPLE AGE

Abstract

This paper examines the forces that underpin monarchical support, how support for the monarchy increases as British people age and intergenerational differences of outlook and perspective regarding support for the monarchy. Data shows a lower popularity for the monarchy amongst younger generations compared with older generations. A study from the British Social Attitudes Survey suggests that contrary to showing an intergenerational divide, as British people age their support for the monarchy increases. The paper investigates factors that influence this change in monarchical support. Interviews with British people from older and younger generations highlight major contributory factors. Older generations have more knowledge and experience of the world to critique the authenticity of information, there are intergenerational differences in outlook and perspective of media representation of the monarchy and royal celebrations have a differing impact on monarchical support of different age groups.