Poll supports Kate Middleton and William
There’s an interesting report from the Reuters News Agency today :
“LONDON (Reuters) – Britons favour Prince William over his father Charles as their next monarch, with widespread approval for William’s girlfriend boosting his ratings, a poll shows.
“More than half of 1,000 people polled said they would prefer the second-in-line to be the next to take the throne. Prince William’s popularity is greatest among the younger generation, with 70 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds favouring him as the next king, compared to just 47 percent of 55- to 64-year-olds.
“The groundswell of support appears to have been helped by his rekindled romance with Kate Middleton. Only 18 percent of those surveyed think she would not make a good addition to the royal family.”
The former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond comments :
Prince Charles does seem to have a real image problem. Even though he is undoubtedly the best-trained heir to the throne we’ve ever had, the public seem reluctant to accept him as king. The damage to his image caused by the break-down of his marriage to Diana seems irreparable.
I think it’s sad; we should be more forgiving as a nation and accept that Charles is a far wiser head on more experienced shoulders than a boy of 25 who still has much to learn and do.
What a dilemma we may be facing when the time comes. Mind you, if Charles becomes King, he will appear a very different personality as the mantle of Monarchy finally wraps around his shoulders.
Yes, William is young with much to learn. But the Queen was 25 when she became queen– the same age William is now. In my opinion, William should take his royal training seriously– any number of unforeseen disasters could happen to Charles (health concerns, accidents, etc), which could bring William to the throne earlier than any expect.
By Evelyn on December 28th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Charles has waited an age to be king. William doesn’t want to be at the moment. Circumstance can be a cruel thing.
By Kit on December 28th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
What will be will be. I do not relish the idea of Charles and Camilla on the throne because I believe them to be unworthy and self-obscessed. Prince William and Kate Middleton will be very popular, very worthy and do a spendid job, in my opinion. Nevertheless, neither my opinion nor the opinions of anyone else will change the future. Unless Fate intervenes, when Queen Elizabeth II dies, Charles will be King. There is nothing that anyone can do to alter the course of this. Charles is the Heir. We must hope that on that day when he ascends the throne, he humbles himself and rises to the occasion.
By Gigi on December 28th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
I can’t say I’m surprised by the results but I personally would like William and Kate, if that is who he eventually marries, to have the time to raise their family in a somewhat normal environment, before he has to take on the enormous role of King.
By Ash on December 29th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Here is good news if one can call it that for those who favor William. Charles is now the same age as his great-great grandfather Edward the VII was when he ascended the throne, he reigned 10 years. HM is now almost 82 and has no signs of slowing down. Charles may have longevity on his side but he will still have a very short reign if he ascends at all.
By Trudie on December 30th, 2007 at 12:36 pm