Prince William and Princess Kate are popular in Australia. (Image: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)
and Princess Kate have received a huge boost in popularity in Australia despite original fears that the country may eventually become a republic.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, 42 and 43, are believed to be extremely popular in Australia, which has now meant less people are championing the idea of turning away from the Royal Family.
It is also believed the popularity of King Charles III and Queen Camilla has boosted support for the monarchy in Australia, with the couple’s visit last year drawing
, former prime minister Tony Abbott said: “I am sure the common sense of the Australian people means that a republic will never happen in my country and in any event, Wills and Kate are overwhelmingly the most popular members of the Royal Family.”
This view was backed up by former Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer, who said he believes there is “no prospect of Australia becoming a republic in the foreseeable future”.
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He said: “The King and Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales are both hugely popular in Australia… It would be complicated to make Australia a republic, requiring not just legislation through the parliament but a referendum.
“Australians have much higher priorities than holding a series of constitutional referendums which would only throw the country into a divisive debate when people have other priorities for their private lives.”
This change is highly significant as in a 1999 referendum in Australia, voters were asked whether Australia should become a republic, with 55% voting no and 45% voting yes.
However, 25 years later in November last year, YouGov found support for a republic has majorly declined.
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William and Kate have always been popular in Australia. (Image: Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Its polling found that if the referendum was held again the result would be 59% in favour of keeping the monarchy with 41% supporting a republic.
While the Prince and Princess of Wales are believed to have had a positive impact on this changing opinion, the King and Queen have also played an important role.
It is also believed Prince George, 11, will keep this momentum going during his own reign in years to come.
This view was voiced by David Flint, the national convenor of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy, who said he had “every confidence” support for the monarchy would “continue under the reigns of William V and George VII.”