But Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams has dismissed its findings as "pure mischief", and took the opportunity to emphasise Britain's "herefitary monarchy". Research published by BMG today, suggested 46 percent of those surveyed thought the crown should pass directly to William –almost double the number who felt Charles should succeed her. And just one in five – 20 percent – believe his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, should be handed the title of Queen even the Prince of Wales does get the nod, according to the poll, commissioned by the Independent.
Charles is the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, having been first in line ever since his grandfather George VI died in 1952, when Charles was just three, meaning he has been waiting for 67 years.
The 70-year-old has made no secret of his desire to be king after 92-year-old Queen Elizabeth II, and spoke out last year in a bid to assuage concerns about his approach should he get his wish.
Charles has spoken out about politics and the environment over the years, raising the prospect of awkward clashes with politicians, but in a BBC documentary aired last year to mark his 70th birthday, he said the idea of him making similar interventions after being king was “nonsense”.
Pressed about whether his public campaigning would continue, he said: "No, it won't. I'm not that stupid."
Almost half those surveyed felt William, not Charles, should be the next monarch (Image: GETTY)
However, he also said: "If it's meddling to worry about the inner cities as I did 40 years ago, then if that's meddling I'm proud of it."
The fact he was confirmed as the designated successor to the Queen as Head of the Commonwealth also indicates his intention to be the British monarch.
Significantly more of the 1,500 people polled said they believed Charles, 70, should abdicate than believed he should become king.
In total, 27 percent voiced “strong support” to
