Poll reveals who Britons would choose as head of state if monarchy is abolished

A poll showing who the public would pick as a new head of state if the monarchy was abolished has been revealed, with a quarter of people still saying they would pick a royal for the job.

Prince William topped the Times Red Box survey of more than 1,600 people with a total of 12 per cent, with the broadcaster Sir David Attenborough in second with 9 per cent, and The Queen in third with 7 per cent.

Other royals on the list include Prince Charles (3 per cent), Prince Harry (2 per cent), Kate Middleton (1 per cent) and Princess Anne (1 per cent).

The news is despite heated debate over the role of the monarchy following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired earlier this month.

Responding to one user on Twitter, editor Patrick Maguire also revealed that one person said they would pick Prince Andrew, who has faced intense scrutiny over his connections to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Meanwhile, in terms of political figures, Boris Johnson led with 4 per cent, followed by Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn who each had 2 per cent of the responses.

In addition to the more formal replies, 4 per cent said they would pick themselves as the elected head of state, with other suggestions including Bungle from the children’s TV show Rainbow, Love Island’s Dr Alex and “someone who would reinstate the monarchy”.

One person simply replied: “Oh f*** off! Was this a one off survey???”

Despite her recent viral fame, Handforth Parish Council clerk Jackie Weaver did not receive a single mention.

Evening Standard columnist Ayesha Hazarika replied: “This country has gone to the dogs.”

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