Odds to Be Next Reigning Monarch of Britain: Prince Charles Heavily Favored

• The Queen of England is currently 93 years old.
• Prince Charles is currently the heir to the throne.
• Prince William is more popular than Prince Charles, although that may not be a factor in the consideration.

While most of the United Kingdom is focused on Brexit and what the Queen’s role in it will be, one has to wonder who in the family will be next on the throne? Of course, Prince Charles is next in line. However, he might choose to pass on it. Who’ll win this game of thrones? Sportsbooks have the odds up, so let’s take a closer look:

Next Reigning Monarch Odds

*Odds taken 08/29/19.

Prince Charles Is Next in Line

Debate over who’ll take over on the throne has come up in recent conversations as the Queen is set to possibly play a very big role in Brexit. Leaving those politics aside for now and focusing on the throne itself, Charles is next in line in terms of lineage.

New Poll Shows Charles’ Popularity Is Weak

A new snap poll done by Express, which was not very scientific at all, shows that Prince Charles would not be a very popular option. Over 60% of the 4000+ voters felt that Prince William was the better choice.

Charles only received 18% of the vote. That’s part of what’s spurred this conversation.

However, the only way William would become King over Charles is if the Queen would give the crown to him. Currently, the only ways she would leave the throne is if she abdicates, retires or dies. She swore to be Queen for her lifetime and she’s taken it seriously, so it looks like she’ll remain – even as she moves through her 90’s.

Charles has been preparing for kingship since he was a young boy, but he has yet to get the opportunity. In terms of his popularity, it’s faded since the passing of Princess Diana, but that may not mean a whole lot.

Rumors Suggest Charles to Become Prince Regent

Although the Royal Family tends to keep things very tight lipped, there have been rumors swirling over the last few years that Prince Charles will soon become Prince Regent. Those rumors have been present since the Queen entered her 90’s with speculators suggesting that he could be named at age 95. The Queen is currently 93.

Prince Regent is essentially a role where Prince Charles would carry out almost all of the normal duties of the Queen, but she’d still formally be in place on the throne. He’ll be the one who looks after the investitures, receptions, knighting ceremonies and state visits. If that happens, he’ll surely become King.

What’s the Best Bet?

At this point, I don’t have any reason to believe that it would be anyone but Prince Charles. Prince William might be the younger, more prominent figure but these types of things tend to go by tradition absent of something major.

Charles may not be popular, but he’s done nothing to show that he doesn’t deserve the throne. Expect him to take on a bigger role in the coming years and eventually become King of England.