The public want the Crown to bypass the Prince of Wales and be handed to Prince William when the Queen’s reign ends, a poll has revealed.
The Duke of Cambridge has a 20-point lead – 47% to 27% – over his father Prince Charles in a huge blow to the heir’s popularity despite great strides to improve his public image over the past two decades.
But younger respondents aged 18 to 24 years old want Prince Harry as king over his dad and brother.
Although more than half – 51% – believe Harry, 36, along with wife Meghan, 39, have damaged the reputation of the monarchy.
Pollsters Deltapoll interviewed 1,590 adults between March 31 and April 1.
Who do you think should become king? Let us know and see what others are saying in the comments section.
The data, weighted to be representative of the British adult population as a whole, will come as a shock to the royal family, who launched a PR drive after Charles’s divorce in 1996 from Princess Diana and their handling of her tragic death in 1997.
Just over 40% believe the monarch, who turns 95 on April 21, should remain in her position until she dies.
A fifth believe she should abdicate if in good health compared to 27% declaring Britain’s longest-serving monarch should choose to abdicate if her health fails.
If given the choice on who should succeed her, William, 38, still comes out on top with Charles, 72, a strong second.
For millennials – those aged 25 to 40 –nearly twice as many people favour Harry taking over compared to Charles.
Among 18 to 24 year olds Harry is the most popular choice, beating William 23% to 22%.
Harry and Meghan continue to polarise opinion since deciding to quit The Firm and giving a tell-all interview to Oprah Winfrey.
They accused an unnamed member of the family of questioning the colour of their unborn child’s skin and claimed Meghan was told she could not seek help for mental health issues when pregnant.
But a margin of more than two to one – 58% against 23% – believe they should be stripped of their royal titles.
But 31% of those polled believe their decisions have made no difference to the reputation of the monarchy, while 9% believe they improved the reputation.
But nearly two thirds of baby boomers think they have caused damage compared to fewer than four in 10 millennials.
Graham Smith, CEO of anti-monarchy group Republic, said: “No matter what the polls say Charles will be king.
"Yet this poll tells us people no longer care about the hereditary system, they want a choice.
“The huge gulf between generations underscores how disconnected the royals are from modern attitudes.
“This poll sets up the monarchy for a major crisis in support at the start of the decade that will probably see the succession of King Charles.
“As we approach the end of the Queen’s reign this medieval system is going to collide with modern British values. And the only credible solution is for the people to choose our head of state.
“It’s time Britain had a serious grown-up debate about who replaces the Queen. If voters want a choice that can only happen in a republic.”
Generational divide suggests monarchy must evolve
- Analysis, by Russell Myers
Riding a wave of good publicity after his efforts during the coronavirus crisis, it comes as no surprise that Brits have backed William to be King.
One day he will take the throne and no doubt be shaped by the experiences he is gaining each year, stepping up on the world stage and assisting The Firm when called upon.
But many would do well to recognise the enormous contribution to society, not just at home but all over the world, made by the Prince of Wales.
Millennials back Wills and Harry’s environmental credentials, but perhaps they aren’t aware that Charles was doing just that before they were a twinkle in their parents’ eye - recently celebrating 50 years of campaigning for a better world.
The generational divide is further evidenced by younger generations backing Harry and Meghan’s decision to leave the family.
Amid accusations of racism and abandonment by the Sussexes, which are yet to be proven or resolved, it is perhaps a sign that the monarchy must continue to evolve if it is to remain relevant in the modern world.
