The British public’s support for the monarchy has fallen further as the Epstein scandal continues, according to a new survey.

A poll carried out by Savanta and commissioned by anti-monarchy campaign group Republic found that only 45% of Britons support the royal family, down from 48% four months ago.

It surveyed more than 2,100 adults and asked: “What would you prefer for the UK: a monarchy or an elected head of state?”.

Those who preferred an elected head of state remained at 32% from October, while those who did not know increased from 20% to 24%.

The results were published as Thames Valley Police confirmed it was assessing reports that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential reports with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while he was the UK’s trade envoy.

Buckingham Palace made an unprecedented statement in which it said King Charles had made clear his “profound concern” at the allegations about his brother’s conduct, adding that the palace will “stand ready to support” the police if approached over fresh claims.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also addressed the Epstein scandal this week, with Kensington Palace saying they were “deeply concerned” at the “continued revelations” and that their thoughts “remain focused on the victims”.

Andrew, who was stripped of his titles by the King last year, has always denied any wrongdoing. He has left his home at Royal Lodge for the King’s private Sandringham estate, with the King funding his new life with an annual stipend.

Republic’s chief executive Graham Smith, who reported Andrew to the police over the trade envoy allegations, said: “The monarchy is losing its one claim to legitimacy, opinion poll ratings. Falling support is unsurprising given the gravity of accusations against Andrew.”

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