Most Brits agree with the King’s bid to trim down the monarchy, a poll has found.
Charles is said to be in favour of cutting back on royal expenses and is aware people are struggling in the growing cost of living crisis.
And an exclusive Mirror poll reveals 80% of Brits agree with him, as he prepares for next week’s Coronation at Westminster Abbey fully aware of the crippling cost of living crisis.
His vision includes bidding farewell to working royals the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who are 74 and 76 respectively, the 87-year-old Duke of Kent and his sister Princess Alexandra, 86, when they all retire.
He and Camilla will be supported in future by other members of the family, such as the Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Anne.
Charles, 74 – who was yesterday at the start of the Australian Legacy Torch Relay at Buckingham Palace in London – has already scaled down the Coronation with a shorter ceremony and 2,000 guests.
The late Queen’s lavish event had more than 8,000 people there.
A royal source said: “The King is acutely aware of the cost of living crisis and just how many people are struggling. He wants to put the family’s work to focus on the most marginalised in society and those who are working hard every day to help those less fortunate.”
In the poll, 84% of those quizzed supported a cheaper Coronation, although it will still cost taxpayers and estimated £100million.
And with recent reports suggesting the King’s private fortune could be worth more than £1.8billion, 52% said he should cough up for the ceremony and procession himself.
A third believe it ought to be paid for with the Sovereign Grant, taxpayer money already paid to fund the King’s official duties.
As Buckingham Palace released unseen portraits of the royal couple taken by renowned photographer Hugo Burnand, the Deltapoll survey found 35% prefer the title Queen Consort for Camilla, who will be crowned alongside the King. Only 2% supported her becoming Queen and 21% said she should have no title at all.
Nearly half of respondents think the Royal Family represents value for money, but almost 40% disagree.
But 6% feel the royals have a positive image overall, compared to 30% who do not.
Approval of the family was higher among older people, with 69% of baby boomers convinced the monarchy image was good compared to 44% of millennials.
Some respondents felt recent scandals had dented The Firm’s image, with nearly 80% agreeing Prince Andrew’s £12million settlement with Virginia Giuffre over US sex abuse claims was damaging. The Duke, 63, denies the allegations.
And 60% felt Prince Harry and Meghan quitting royal duties in 2020 for life in America had hit the monarchy’s reputation.
