Young adults think Prince William should jump ahead of his father and become king when the Queen dies, a survey suggests.

Of people questioned for a BBC poll, those aged 18 to 24 showed the strongest support for Prince Charles standing aside for his son.

Thirty-five per cent supported William as the next monarch, while only 27% opted for Prince Charles.

People over 24 were also included in the poll and when the answers of all generations are taken into account, a quite different picture emerges.

Then, the Prince of Wales has the support of 47% to become the next King and 14% opting for an elected president.

But a third of those polled still backed Prince William.

There is good news for the Royal Family.

The ICM poll found 63% of people did not think the monarchy was out of date.

Among young people however opinion was fairly evenly split with 44% saying the monarchy was out of date and 45% saying it was not.

Asked if the Royal Family cost the taxpayer too much money, 51% of all those asked said "Yes", 43% said "No" with 6% undecided.

Among the 18 to 24 age group, the figures were more marked, with 62% agreeing, 30% disagreeing and 8% undecided.