A new poll shows great fondness among Canadians for Queen Elizabeth.

However, a majority of respondents in the survey by the Angus Reid Institute also felt that Canada should not continue as a constitutional monarchy for generations to come.

The poll was released on the Queen's 96th birthday today (April 21).

The greatest opposition to retaining the monarchy is in Quebec, where 71 percent felt it should eventually be dumped.

Nationally, the percentage was 51 percent, whereas 26 percent said they wanted to retain the monarchy for generations to come. Nearly one-quarter said that they were not sure.

The second largest opposition was in Saskatchewan, where 59 percent opposed keeping the monarchy over the long term.

In B.C., 45 percent of respondents felt that the monarchy should not be retained for generations to come, compared to 26 percent who were in favour. 

Respondents preferred the Queen over five other members of the Royal Family.

The survey showed that 63 percent had a favourable view of the Queen, compared to 60 percent for Prince William, 37 percent for Princess Anne, 29 percent for Prince Charles and Prince Edward, and 13 percent for Prince Andrew.

The highest "unfavourable" rating, 68 percent, went to Prince Andrew, followed by 54 percent for Prince Charles.

"For every demographic group except women over the age of 54, a plurality believe the Royal Family is more representative of outdated values," the Angus Reid Institute stated. "For women aged 55 and older, instead, a plurality believe the House of Windsor represents both modern and historical values. Overall, older Canadians are much more likely to see the Royals reflect modern values."

The Angus Reid Institute surveyed 1,607 Canadian online from April 5 to 7. The poll carries a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.