When it was reported over the weekend that the British public would be “called upon” to swear an oath of allegiance to King Charles III during his May 6 coronation, a fierce backlash ensued. British lawmakers, royal observers, and commentators alike dubbed the idea “half-cocked,” “odd,” and “tone-deaf.” (The British government later clarified that it was an invitation to participate rather than an expectation.) What had been proposed as a way to give ordinary people a more formal role in the coronation only appeared to further highlight for some just how seemingly strange and anachronistic the whole spectacle is.

The controversy also underscored Britain’s complex views toward the monarchy. Since the death of Queen Elizabeth II last year, the institution has continued to enjoy broad support. However, a recent survey by the British pollster YouGov shows that support has declined from 62% to 58%. Another survey from the National Center for Social Research found that while 55% of the British public consider the monarchy to be important, those who say that its retention is “very important” stood at just 29%, the lowest proportion on record. That suggests a degree of indifference from a considerable number of Brits when it comes to sticking with the royal family.