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Wales backs Charles for king

This is one of the findings of a survey commissioned by BBC Wales on the popularity of the prince - revealing some surprisingly positive opinions.

The news comes just weeks after the popular Welsh band, The Manic Street Preachers, refused to perform for the Queen and Prince Charles at the royal opening of the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff, citing their anti-monarchist views.

But any speculation about a growth of republican feeling in Wales appears to be unfounded.

Support for monarchy

While less than half the Welsh population - 48% - believe he is doing a good job as Prince of Wales, 62% still support the monarchy.

Up to 73% of Welsh speakers believe there should be a Prince of Wales after Charles and 52% believe the current one would make a good king if he came to the throne.

The poll was commissioned as part of a Welsh language television programme produced by BBC Wales for S4C's Ar yr Orsedd - On the Throne.

Broadcast on Saturday, it marks the 30th anniversary of the prince's investiture at Caernarfon Castle on July 1, 1969.

It was conducted by Beaufort Research who interviewed 1,000 Welsh speakers and non-Welsh speakers from various parts of the country.

"This survey might surprise some people," said programme producer Cris Dafis.

"It shows that there is still considerable support for the Royal Family in Wales with 72% of supporting Welsh speakers believing that the investiture of a new Prince of Wales should be marked by a high-profile ceremony.

Private life

But it is not all entirely good news.

Of those polled, only 52% aged between 18 and 35 are in favour of the British monarchy at all.

As far as the prince's relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles - 71% believe it has damaged his public image.

And of the time he has spend in Wales over the last 30 years, 70% feel it is not enough and almost half the population feel he is concerned with personal interests.

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Internet Links

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Welsh Assembly
S4C

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