The British monarchy's greatest "hope" for its future rests with the youngest generation of royals, a British news show has heard, as King Charles III continues to see reduced support among young people.
The monarchy in Britain is viewed more favorably by older people, with Charles himself being disliked by 52 percent of 18-24 year olds, according to polling conducted by YouGov in August 2023.
According to the same poll, 62 percent of Brits were in favor of keeping the monarchy compared to 26 percent who would abolish it. However, the key to its longevity will depend on winning over the younger generations, Newsweek's chief royal correspondent Jack Royston noted in conversation with Sky News' Kay Burley on Wednesday.
While the next generation, namely Prince William and Kate, are far more popular than King Charles, a key asset the royals have in this regard, Royston said, is the general popularity of the prince and princess' three children.
"The biggest hope for the British monarchy lies in the younger generation," he told Burley. "So, you're talking Prince George, Charlotte and Louis."
"People absolutely adore them, particularly Louis, he's a big favorite of the British people."
William and Kate's eldest son, Prince George, was born in July 2013, and is currently second in line to inherit the British throne, behind his father.
Princess Charlotte was born in May 2015, and as the only daughter of the Wales family and youngest princess of the public-facing working members of the monarchy, has won a loyal fan base among royal watchers for, among other things, her fashion influence and composure at events.
Prince Louis, the youngest, was born in April 2018 and has become an eagerly anticipated fixture at official royal celebrations for his cheeky antics and interactions with his family.
Though the children receive an outpouring of affection on social media and in the world's press, their popularity is not generally polled and therefore is unable to be reliably compared to other members of the royal family.
George, Charlotte and Louis' age prevents them using their general popularity to their own, or the monarchy's, short-term benefit.
"They are also children," Royston told Burley. "So, how much can you lean on a kid who's five years old? You can't."
As the royals prepare to begin their 2024 working calendars, the public will likely have fewer opportunities to see the Wales' children than in 2022 or 2023.
With Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee and King Charles' coronation celebrations now in the past, George, Charlotte and Louis return to the traditional round of public appearances, likely to include the royal Easter Sunday church appearance in March, Trooping the Colour in June and Christmas Day walkabout in December.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
James Crawford-Smith is a Newsweek Royal Reporter, based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on the British royal family ... Read more
