William for King says new poll
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Young people in Britain want Prince William to become king when the Queen dies - instead of his father.
A new survey shows people aged 18 to 24 believe Prince William would make a better monarch than Prince Charles, supporting a growing belief among royal watchers that the monarchy is ready to leap a generation.
The BBC poll shows strong support among 18 to 24-year-olds for William. Thirty-five per cent backed William as the next monarch, while only 27 per cent opted for Charles.
The findings will come as a blow to Charles's hopes of following his mother. Experts believe William's popularity has surged as he struggles to cope with pressures of student life which they can relate to.
Sir Roy Strong, royal watcher and former head of the V&A, said it was not surprising that William has such strong support among the young.
"He's good-looking, young and he's often in the papers," he said.
But Sir Roy added: "Public opinion of Prince Charles may change once he takes up office. Just as people have been amazed at how good the Queen is, and how the death of the Queen Mother has focused attention on the Queen's great qualities, so attitudes may change once they see Charles at work."
The poll also proves the monarchy still enjoys enormous support - as proved by the extraordinary scenes witnessed throughout the country during the Jubilee celebrations.
However, 51 per cent of those polled said the royal family cost the taxpayer too much. Of the entire ICM poll of 1,000 adults, commissioned by the BBC, 35 per cent thought the monarchy was out of date. Among young people the figure rose to 44 per cent.
The results will be announced in Our Monarchy - The Next 50 Years, on BBC1 tonight at 9pm. A panel of 10 leading commentators and celebrities will join 50 people born since the Silver Jubilee to debate the key issues.
The heads of Labour think-tank Demos suggested last month that the Queen should cap her Golden Jubilee year by announcing she will abdicate. It also said future princes and princes should be sent to comprehensives.
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