(LONDON) The majority of Britons remain in favor of the monarchy, but support for the king is waning among the youngest, according to a poll published Monday a few days before the coronation of Charles III.

In this survey conducted online in mid-April by the YouGov institute, 58% of the 4,592 Britons questioned still believe that a monarch is preferable to an elected head of state, desired by 26% of respondents.

While Britons remain a majority pro-monarchy, support is slipping: in 2012, on the occasion of Elizabeth II’s 60-year reign, a similar poll by YouGov showed that nearly three-quarters of Britons preferred a monarch to a leader. elected state.

In detail, the new poll commissioned by the BBC also reveals significant differences of opinion according to age categories: if 78% of those over 65 are in favor of the monarchy, only 32% of 18-24 year olds are agree (compared to 38% who want an elected head of state and 30% who don’t know).

Three-quarters of young people surveyed (78%) also say they are “not interested” in the royal family.

Another poll in mid-April showed nearly two-thirds of Britons are not interested in the coronation, scheduled for May 6.

Among the youngest, 59% believe that King Charles is “disconnected” from the lives of his subjects, a feeling shared by 45% of Britons.

In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis and with inflation still above 10%, some criticize the cost of organizing an event such as a coronation, which comes with all the pomp the British monarchy has to offer. secret.

The costs of the celebrations are not yet known, but it is estimated that the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953 – admittedly more grandiose than that planned for Charles – had cost the equivalent of more than 22 million euros.

The majority of Britons (54%) still believe that the institution remains positive for the country and brings more to the United Kingdom than it costs, although, again, the youngest are more skeptical (40%) .