Charles 'Reigns' In Public Opinion At 60

Prince Charles has celebrated turning 60, today, by pipping his son in the opinions polls, which now favour the aging royal as the next crowned head of the United Kingdom.

The Prince of Wales - one of the longest serving Kings-in-waiting in recent history - has overtaken Prince William in a YouGov survey, which asked the public who they would rather see as the next Monarch.

Forty-two per cent of people questioned said they would favour Charles ascending the throne, compared to 35% support for the current third in line, his eldest son William.

In 2005, a similar survey suggested 42% favoured the crown skipping a generation, and going straight to Prince William.

At the time 31% backed Charles to succeed the Queen.

Regardless of polls, the fact remains, the moment the Queen dies Charles automatically claims his hereditary right as the next Monarch.

However, this has not stopped pundits, over the years, arguing the Prince should renounce his birthright.

Many have claimed his remarriage to a divorcee would conflict with his role as king and head of the Church of England.

Charles was only three when his mother was crowned Queen, and he, as her eldest son, became heir to the throne.

Now aged 82, the Queen shows no signs of slowing down and last year became the oldest reigning monarch in the history of the nation.

Her mother lived to be 101.

Prince Charles marked his birthday earlier this week by attending a comedy gala in London, which featured John Cleese, Rowan Atkinson and American comic Robin Williams.

Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, is expected to throw a private party for her husband at their Highgrove home this weekend.

Today, an official portrait to celebrate the Prince’s birthday was unveiled.

It shows Charles dressed in the ceremonial uniform of the Welsh Guards, minus the headdress.

(PR/JM)