A substantial majority of Canadian citizens, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, believe Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be stripped of his position in the line of succession to the crown, according to recent survey data. The Angus Reid Institute conducted polling that indicates widespread public sentiment against the royal figure, who is the brother of King Charles III.
Overwhelming Support for Removal from Succession
The comprehensive poll surveyed more than 1,600 Canadians across the nation, posing a direct question about Andrew's status. When asked whether they would support or oppose removing Andrew from the line of succession, an overwhelming 84% expressed support. This figure breaks down to 73% who indicated strong support and an additional 11% who reported moderate support for the measure.
Opposition to the removal was minimal, with only 7% of respondents expressing any degree of disagreement. Specifically, 4% strongly opposed the move while 3% moderately opposed it. A remaining 10% of those surveyed stated they were uncertain about the issue.
Political Leaders Voice Their Positions
Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly aligned himself with the majority opinion during recent comments made in Tokyo. Carney characterized Andrew's actions as deplorable and noted that the stripping of royal titles was warranted. The Prime Minister emphasized that principle should dictate further consequences, stating removal from the succession line is necessary despite Andrew's relatively distant position in the order.
Carney's statements followed diplomatic discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has formally communicated his government's position to British authorities. In a letter to British Prime Minister Kier Starmer, Albanese confirmed Australia would agree to any proposal eliminating Andrew from royal succession protocols.
Broader Sentiment Toward the Monarchy
The Angus Reid survey also examined broader Canadian attitudes toward the institution of monarchy, revealing significant skepticism about its contemporary relevance. When questioned about the personal relevance of the royal family today, more than half of Canadians (51%) stated they find it completely irrelevant. Another 26% indicated the monarchy is becoming less significant over time, while just 21% believe it remains as relevant as historically.
Only a tiny fraction—2%—claimed the monarchy has grown more relevant than in previous eras. These perspectives have remained remarkably consistent across five years of polling by the institute, suggesting stable public opinion rather than temporary fluctuation.
Historical Context and Constitutional Questions
Examining longer-term trends, Angus Reid compiled data from multiple polls spanning nearly five decades. The historical comparison reveals a notable shift in Canadian perspectives on constitutional monarchy. In 1978, an Environics poll found 55% of respondents believed Canada should maintain its monarchical system for generations, compared to 37% who opposed the idea and 8% who were uncertain.
The contemporary survey presents a dramatically different landscape, with only 29% of Canadians now expressing support for a long-lasting constitutional monarchy. Nearly half of those polled—48%—stated they are against the concept entirely. This represents a substantial decline in institutional support over the intervening decades.
Symbolic Representations and Practical Implications
The debate extends beyond abstract constitutional questions to tangible symbols of monarchy. Following Queen Elizabeth II's death, Australia made the symbolic decision not to feature King Charles III on its five-dollar banknotes, though his image continues to appear on Australian coins. Canada has taken a different approach, planning to introduce the King's portrait on twenty-dollar bills beginning next year.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor retains his theoretical position in the line of succession despite having been stripped of royal titles and military affiliations. His arrest last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office has intensified scrutiny of his status within the royal framework.
The polling data suggests Canadian public opinion has crystallized around both the specific case of Andrew and broader questions about the monarchy's future role in Canadian governance and society.



