Most people want the royals to pay for official visits to towns and cities around the UK. That's according to a YouGov poll carried out this week on behalf of campaign group Republic. Half the population (49%) would oppose any royal visit if their local council was paying.

57% said that the royals should fund the costs of a royal visit to their local area.

The poll comes on the back of recent polls from Australia and Canada, where there are large majorities in favour of the royals paying their own way.

Currently any royal visit will typically cost a local authority and police force tens of thousands of pounds. Previous research by Republic showed royal visits cost councils an estimated £22m a year. A visit to Leicester by the Queen in 2012 cost local authorities an estimated £180,000.

Graham Smith, speaking for Republic, said today:

"The picture is clear, people in the UK and around the Commonwealth want the royals to pay their own way."

"Royal engagements are sold as some kind of public service, but the public aren't interested. They may have a fan base who will turn up to wave, but the majority of people in this country pay no attention."

"Most people would be shocked to discover that when a royal visits their local area their council ends up with a big bill. Their local police force will usually have to dig deep too."

"These local visits around the country are about promoting the royals, not helping communities. When councils and police are struggling it's only right that the royals pay their own way."

"More than £22m a year is spent by local councils, closing roads and rolling out the red carpet for royal visits. This is a colossal waste of taxpayers' money."



YouGov Plc survey details: Total sample size was 1,639 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 3rd - 4th March 2020.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

You can find the full results at www.republic.org.uk/YouGov-Local-visits

Republic's 2017 Royal Finances report at be found at www.republic.org.uk/royalfinances