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Britons Support Monarchy, Queen Elizabeth II
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Britain are satisfied with their nation's current political structure, according to a poll by Ipsos-MORI published in The Sun. 72 per cent of respondents are in favour of the continuation of the monarchy, while 18 per cent would prefer to establish a republic.
Queen Elizabeth II has been the monarch of 16 independent nations since February 1952. The Queen turned 80 years old this month. 64 per cent of respondents believe the current monarch should never retire.
Prince Charles is first in line to succeed Queen Elizabeth II, followed by his two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. In April 2005, Charles married long-time companion Camilla Parker Bowles in a civil ceremony. 52 per cent of respondents think Prince Charles will make a good king, while 28 per cent disagree.
Prince William—born in 1982—attended Eton College and participated in British Army training in Belize and as a volunteer with Raleigh International in Chile. Earlier this month, Prince Harry—born in 1984—graduated as an officer from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
On Apr. 28, the office of Prince Charles denied a report which suggested that he would like to be called King George VII when he assumes the throne. The prince's complete name is Charles Fillip Arthur George.
Polling Data
Would you favour Britain becoming a republic or remaining a monarchy?
Republic | 18% |
Monarchy | 72% |
Don't know | 10% |
At what age, if at all, should the Queen retire? Should she retire now that she has reached 80, when she reaches 85, when she reaches 90, or should she never retire?
80 years | 18% |
85 years | 7% |
90 years | 3% |
Never retire | 64% |
Don't know | 8% |
On balance, do you think that Prince Charles will make a good king or a bad king when he comes to the throne in future?
Good king | 52% |
Bad king | 28% |
Neither | 11% |
Don't know | 9% |
Source: Ipsos-MORI / The Sun
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,006 British adults, conducted from Apr. 20 to Apr. 22, 2006. No margin of error was provided.
