Queen Elizabeth II, Sir David Attenborough, and James Bond have been revealed as the top three most popular British cultural figures in a recent survey. The late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, was named the greatest “cultural icon” in the UK over the past 90 years, with 41% of respondents choosing her. This survey was conducted to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations. Following closely behind Her Majesty was broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, who garnered 40% of the votes. Diana, Princess of Wales, former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury also ranked high on the list.
In terms of living figures, Sir David Attenborough topped the list with 48% considering him the greatest prominent UK figure, followed by music legends Sir Elton John at 20% and Sir Paul McCartney at 19%. Additionally, Dame Judi Dench and Catherine, Princess of Wales, each received 16% of the votes. Notably, James Bond was hailed as the UK’s greatest “fictional icon” of the past 90 years, with 42% selecting the British MI6 agent. Joining Bond on the list were other fictional characters like Harry Potter, Del Boy from Only Fools And Horses, Paddington Bear, and Doctor Who.
Internationally, Nelson Mandela was recognised as the most important non-UK cultural icon of the past 90 years, securing 29% of the votes. He was followed by Elvis Presley at 28% and Albert Einstein at 25%. The survey also delved into the realm of music, with Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon and The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band both being chosen by more than a fifth of respondents as the best UK albums from the past 90 years.
JRR Tolkien’s The Lord Of The Rings series was hailed as the best fiction novel by a UK author over the same period, earning 31% of the votes. Meanwhile, Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting was deemed the best British film, with 20% of the respondents selecting it. The establishment of the NHS was considered the most significant UK cultural moment in the past nine decades, with 42% of the votes, whilst the end of the Second World War was chosen as the most significant global cultural moment.
Scott McDonald, the chief executive of the British Council, highlighted the organisation’s role in promoting the work of various artists and performers globally over the past 90 years. The Council aims to build international connections through arts and culture to foster positive change and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous world. The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the British Council, involved 2,500 participants and took place online between July 18 and 25, with most questions allowing respondents to select up to five choices from a provided list.
In conclusion, the survey results shed light on the tremendous influence and legacy of various cultural figures in the UK and beyond, capturing the hearts and minds of the people over the past nine decades.