‘Royal drama’ reignites support for Australian Republic

The latest round of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s drama has caused a rise in support for Australia to leave the Monarchy and become a republic.

The latest release of Harry’s memoir titled Spare, in which he details the ongoing feud between himself and his brother, has caused Australians to say they’ve had enough, with the majority voting that they’re just simply fed up with all drama.

???? Have you noticed an even greater shift towards Australian independence over the past few months? We have. There is fresh support for an Aussie republic after the serious allegations made by Prince Harry in his new memoir and documentary series. https://t.co/xPnxn4BZ4i #AusPol pic.twitter.com/kBR9gS119z

— Australian Republic Movement (@AusRepublic) January 27, 2023

The poll, taken by the Sydney Morning Herald, found that 40 per cent of poll participants were in favour of leaving the Monarchy, with 22 per cent saying they strongly agree Australia should become a republic and 18 per cent were somewhat in favour.

Of the 1,606 voters, 21 per cent said their opinion was swayed by the controversial Prince’s memoir.

Former chair of the Australian Republic Movement (ARM), Peter FitzSimons shared the poll on Twitter, cheering for the sway in votes.

Lemme hear you say RAH!@AusRepublic

Royal drama pushes Australian voters towards republic: poll https://t.co/FMrCiTMO5Y

— Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) January 25, 2023

FitzSimons’ was joined by a chorus of people sharing their agreement with the poll’s results, many calling for more support to leave the Monarchy.

pic.twitter.com/FNKK3O2Ynh

— ???? ???? Judy Lloyd Dalton Albo is my PM (@JudyLloydDalto2) January 25, 2023

Yep. I think a lot said that would happen once QEII passed away. My feeling now is that it’s just a matter of time. Royal Family definitely in a state of disarray. Imploding, even! Relevance rapidly diminishing.

— Peter Taylor (@itsapetetweet) January 26, 2023

Great news, I’m feeling more confident that we can soon choose our own head of state than I have been in years

— Julie Rose (quadruple vaxxed) (@philnicau) January 25, 2023

I’m surprised it’s only 39% of Australians that are in favour of an Australian head of state.
The monarchy is from another time & another place. Let’s break free from our colonial shackles. #OzRepublic

— C????????.H????????.O ???? (@lightfootsj) January 25, 2023

The republican said that while “a lot are undecided”, once the ARM’s campaign for a referendum begins, he’s confident the monarchists will fail.

“Actual monarchy nutters are very few. Mostly Young Libs and older versions,” he said. 

The latest poll results are a stark contrast to a poll taken after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and the beginning of King Charles III’s reign.

In the poll conducted by Roy Morgan at the time, 60 per cent of Australians were in support of remaining a Monarchy, up 5 per cent since the last poll on the matter in November 2012, while support for a Republic dropped 5 per cent to 40 per cent.