LONDON, April 27 (UPI) -- Britons are deeply divided over who should be the next king of England, say results of a poll published Wednesday in the Times of London.
Support for Prince Charles succeeding to the throne has slumped to just 24 percent among manual workers, the Populus poll revealed.
Among white collar workers (middle to lower income) 46 percent would prefer Prince William to take over from the queen.
Even among the professional classes, only 42 percent are pleased by the prospect of a King Charles; 29 percent would rather see a King William.
And only 26 percent of women want to see Charles on the throne, compared with 48 percent for William.
The marriage of the prince to Camilla Parker Bowles has done nothing to boost the popularity of the royals. Asked if they approved, disapproved, or did not care about the union, 62 percent said they did not care -- a figure that has soared from 32 percent in February.
Worryingly for the royals, 18 percent of those questioned would like to see the monarchy end with the queen.
Populus interviewed 716 adults by telephone between April 24 and 25.
