Monarchy backed by 59% in Wales

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A BBC poll in 2009 shows that nearly 60% of Wales support the position of Prince of Wales but far fewer think his work has benefited Wales

More than half of people in Wales support the monarchy and value the role of the Prince of Wales, a survey for BBC Wales suggests.

The poll, on the eve of the 40th anniversary of his investiture, found that 58% of those asked want another Prince of Wales when the time comes.

Some 26% were against having another prince, while 33% thought the role had not benefited Wales at all since 1969.

Support for the monarchy was highest among older people.

Three-quarters (75%) of those aged over 65 were in favour of the monarchy, compared to just two in five (42%) among those under 35, the poll found.

Almost a third (29%) did not believe there should be a monarchy.

THE POLL'S MAIN FINDINGS 59% of people in Wales think there should be a monarchy 61% think Wales has benefited from having a Prince of Wales during the past 40 years 58% think there should be a new Prince of Wales when Prince Charles becomes king 58% think there should be an investiture ceremony if there were to be a new Prince of Wales Source: Beaufort Research

The poll suggests that women (63%) are slightly more supportive of the monarchy than men (55%).

It further suggested regional differences, with those who lived in the south Wales valleys the least supportive of the monarchy. A total of 47% believed that there should be a monarchy, against 43% who are opposed.

When asked about the benefits of having a Prince of Wales, 45% felt Wales had benefitted a little and 16% a lot. Some 33% thought Wales had seen no benefit at all.

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Just under a third (30%) were not in favour of there being another public investiture ceremony similar to the type Prince Charles received at Caernarfon in 1969.

A total of 922 people in Wales aged 16 and over were interviewed by Beaufort Research between 12-24 June.

The findings will be discussed in a televised debate, A Prince for Wales, on Tuesday 30 June chaired by Huw Edwards, on BBC One Wales (2235 BST).