While some people across the country might be brining out the Union Jack bunting and attending street parties to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, that's not the case for many people. A YouGov poll has found that 56% of Brits do not have plans to celebrate the jubilee.
Walking around your local area, you're bound to see bunting decking the streets - whether it's a Union Jack or simply bright and colourful flags - cut-outs of the Queen, specially dressed shop windows, and even some quirky knitted tributes.
But when YouGov released a poll asking whether people had plans to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, just 14% of people responding said that they did and 20% said that they didn't have plans but would probably make plans. A further 9% said that they didn't know.
READ MORE: The best pictures from Wales and London on first day of four-day bank holiday
More polls by YouGov found that, while six in 10 Britons believe the monarchy should continue, young people have lost favour in a monarchical system over the last decade. In 2011, when YouGov first started tracking the issue, 59% of 18 to 24-year-olds thought the monarchy should continue in Britain, compared to just 33% today.
We put out a Facebook post to say that the poll had found that 56% of Britons do not plan to celebrate the jubilee and thousands commented. While some were in support of the monarchy and planned on attending street parties, others felt that it was "obscene" to spend money on celebrating the jubilee. Here's what you said.
Several people didn't see any cause for a celebration in Wales. Gareth David Potter wrote: "Why should we celebrate an English monarchy?" with Emma Stirling similarly asking, "Why should we celebrate?" Martin Booth added: "Why would anyone in Wales want to celebrate our continuing oppression by the English[?]"
Responding to the Facebook post, Mel De Castro Pugh wrote: "It seems a more than a little obscene to expect people to spend money on celebrating something like this when so many are living out of food banks and can’t afford to heat their homes. Yes, it’s a “historic occasion” (if you like that sort of thing) but it seems rather tone deaf in light of the state of things. A lower key celebration would be more appropriate."
Many readers noted that the cost of living crisis might have put a stop to celebrations for some. Anna Price wrote: "Well, to be fair, there is little to celebrate at the moment with the cost of living crisis. The UK has let us down."
Cooze Gwyn Sue similarly noted that some might not be able to afford to celebrate, writing: "Lots of Brits can't afford to do anything. Those are struggling will carry on so, while the royals are enjoying the high life. Perhaps after 70 on the thrown she will notice the poverty people are facing."
Similarly, Lee Llewellyn wrote: "People who can’t afford to eat and put the heating on are expected to celebrate a multi millionaire who’s weighted [sic] on hand and foot and lives in numerous palaces! Let’s put it into perspective."
Aled Griffiths said that he didn't think public money should be spent on celebrations, writing: "I am not a monarchist, and do not think that public money should be spent on such a ridiculous and embarrassing event. Let those that want to spend what they please, but it is wrong to tout the impression that there is universal support. I wish the present monarch good health and happiness but long for the replacement of the stupid institution."
Some readers said that they would be taking part in the celebrations, despite not supporting the monarchy. Lowri Bennett said that she would be doing it for her community, writing: "I'm going to be part of celebrations but I'm a republican. I'm putting on free kids workshops for my community, not for the Queen. As far as my beliefs are concerned the need for opportunities for community interaction trumps my distaste for the monarchy. But these statistics aren't nuanced enough to show differentials like that."
Beverley Holling also wrote that she'd be taking part in celebrations, but not necessarily to celebrate the jubilee. "I'm not celebrating the jubilee, I'm just going to a street party with my family, any excuse for a party will do for me," she wrote.
Others wrote that they were unable to celebrate due to having to work the bank holiday weekend. Carolyn Wood wrote: "Some of us have to work over the extended Bank Holiday. I have only the Friday off, but husband is found a charity event for some of the day and I am helping with a community project."
Some people noted that, while they might not want to celebrate the jubilee, people might still enjoy the long bank holiday. Janet Morris wrote: "I suppose the people that don’t want to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee, will still enjoy taking the two days holiday they have been given. I will be watching it all on TV, doesn’t cost anything to do that, but I will have a glass of wine in honour of our Queen. God bless her."
Others said that they were ready to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and had plans to do so, with many readers saying that they would be attending street parties or simply watching on TV. Jackie Leighton wrote: "Well our street are having a party, love our Queen and can’t stand all this hate. Pipe down and just go about your day."
Fiona Jehu wrote: "I will be celebrating the fantastic achievement if our Queen. She has done a brilliant job and it’s important that our children and grandchildren learn about the history of our monarch & get involved in the historic celebrations."
Carol Evans also said that she'd be celebrating the jubilee, writing: "Well we are, only a little family buffet. We’ve always celebrated every Queens Jubilee since my children were little. Now with my grandchildren as well."
Gaynor Evans added: "The last 2 years has been horrendous and so sad Lets see the children have some fun nothing like a family/street party".
Will you be celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this weekend? Let us know in the comments below.
