New Survey Shows That Millennials Support Harry and Meghan's Royal Exit, but Baby Boomers Don't
A new survey found that millennials support Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to leave the royal family more than older generations.


- Earlier this week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (opens in new tab), announced their decision to step down from their roles as working royals.
- The news shocked royal fans around the world, but beyond the initial surprise, reactions to the decision have been mixed.
- A new survey conducted by the Daily Mail (opens in new tab) found that there's a generational divide when it comes to opinions about the move, with millennials mostly supporting Harry and Meghan's decision and baby boomers largely criticizing it.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (opens in new tab) made their most controversial (opens in new tab) move yet this week when they announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family.
Royal fans around the world were shocked by the news (opens in new tab), but beyond that initial gut punch of surprise, reactions have varied. Some people have offered support for the couple, praising their willingness to prioritize their own mental and emotional wellbeing and do what they believe is best for their family. Others have been less enthusiastic about the move, with some even criticizing the couple for stepping back.
The Mail on Sunday conducted a survey (opens in new tab) about the Sussexes' "abdication" (opens in new tab) (among other royal issues of the day) and found a pretty significant generational divide when it comes to reactions to the decision. Here are some of the highlights of what the survey found:
Do you approve of Harry and Meghan's decision?
While the overall results for this question skewed positive, with 50 percent saying they do approve and just 35 percent offering a definitive vote of disapproval, the numbers tell a different story when broken down by generation.
Sixty-four percent of millennials (age 19-37) said they approve of the decision, while only 36 percent of boomers said the same.
Who are the best role models?
Both boomers and millennials said Prince William and Kate Middleton (opens in new tab) were better role models than Harry and Meghan (opens in new tab), but millennials were once again much more favorable toward the Sussexes. Only four percent of baby boomers voted for Harry and Meghan (opens in new tab) as the better role models, while 28 percent of millennials were Team Sussex.
Should the monarchy be abolished?
The Daily Mail survey also asked readers about the monarchy (opens in new tab) in a more general sense. Once again, boomers were more traditional in their response. Only 12 percent of boomers said it was time to say goodbye to the monarchy, compared to 29 percent of millennials.
Read the full survey results here (opens in new tab).
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
subscribe here (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
'Bachelor in Paradise' 2022: Everything We Know
There's a lot going on when it comes to 'Bachelor in Paradise' this year—but we probably won't get Lil Jon back.
By Jenny Hollander
-
'Manifest' Season 4: Everything We Know
It's official: The once-canceled NBC show is returning for a final chapter (or two) on Netflix.
By Jenny Hollander
-
Halsey’s Latest Eye Makeup Look Is a Lesson in Color Blocking
They only used three About Face products to get the look.
By Samantha Holender
-
Prince William Is a "Gentle Soul" Like Princess Diana Was, Astrologer Says
It bodes well for his reign.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton's Friends Say Relationship Trouble Rumors Are Totally Unfounded
They're all good, tyvm.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Has "Built William's Confidence," Body Language Expert Says
At 40, Prince William is more confident than ever.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Follows in Princess Diana's Footsteps as He Raises Awareness for Homelessness
He sold a magazine on the street to raise funds.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Charles and the Queen Share a Bunch of Throwback Pics of Prince William on His 40th Birthday
Cute cute cute!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Duchess Camilla Opened Up About Her Marriage to Prince Charles Not Always Being "Easy"
She posed for Vogue for the first time.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie Shared Adorable New Pics of Baby August and "Best Dada" Jack Brooksbank
Soooo pure.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Once Told Princess Diana He Wanted to Be a Policeman So He "Could Protect Her," Royal Author Says
She leaned on him for support.
By Iris Goldsztajn