Confidence in the future of the British monarchy is at an all-time high, as the majority of the people in the country believe that the newborn Prince George will one day accede to the throne, according to a poll.
Three quarters of people believe that the newborn son of Prince William and Kate Middleton will one day accede to the throne to which he is third in line, the ComRes survey for The Sunday Telegraph found.
Just nine per cent of those questioned think that he will not become king because Britain will have become a republic, whereas a poll in 2011 found that a quarter of people expected a republic to emerge within 50 years.
Even among 18 to 24-year-olds, the age group most likely to hold republican views, the poll shows a solid 69 per cent believe that Prince George will one day become king.
The poll suggests that the majority of the country sees no benefit in republicanism, with some two thirds of those polled (66 per cent) thinking that Britain is better off as a monarchy.
Only 17 per cent wanted a republic instead.
The survey also highlights the rising popularity of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, particularly among the young.
They, along with Prince Harry, are the three most popular members of the Royal family behind the Queen.
Support for the monarchy is the same level as the record set in opinion polls last summer when Britain was celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the hosting of the Olympics.
More than half (53 per cent) of those questioned on Sunday think that Britain would be worse off without the Royal family, while only 14 per cent believe otherwise.
The poll suggests that republicans doubt that the abolition of the monarchy will happen this century.
Prince George’s reign — which would follow those of the Prince Charles and Prince William — is unlikely to begin for another half century and could last into the 22nd century.
However, ten per cent of those questioned think that the prince, who was born last Monday, will never become king because the country will have become a republic by then.
The figure suggests that the future of a monarchy built on popular support has been ensured and shows a far lower level of expectation that there could be a republic than previous polls.
