Young Britons overwhelmingly back the monarchy and would like to see Prince William to be the next monarch, of whose girlfriend Kate Middleton they also wholeheartedly approve, an opinion poll showed Friday.

A poll of 1,004 young people, aged between 18 and 24, showed that nearly 70 per cent want to keep the royal family, even though half of them believe the British royals do "not provide value for money."

The survey, commissioned by Discovery Channel, also found that Prince William, 25, was voted as the top choice for the next monarch - rather than his father, Prince Charles, who is heir to the throne.

Despite Queen Elizabeth II, at 81, is the oldest monarch on the throne in British history, 81 per cent of those questioned do not want her to step down.

Prince William, who is currently doing a spell in the armed forces, is the most popular member of the royal family among 18 to 24 year-olds, with 70 per cent wanting him to rule.

His girlfriend Kate Middleton, with whom he is back after a split last April, appears to be a hit with young Britons. Over 80 per cent thought that she would be a good addition to the royal family.

However, the wife of Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, is still having to struggle for public recognition after her marriage to Prince Charles in 2005, the survey showed.

Only 50 per cent of those asked believed that the Duchess - the former Camilla Parker Bowles, was a "good ambassador" for the royal family.

She appears to be suffering most from the "Diana factor," with almost 70 per cent of those asked saying they still had more admiration for Diana than for Camilla - her love rival.

"Camilla is still facing an uphill struggle for public acceptance. Diana - particularly with the inquest into her death - continues to make headline news and this poll reflects the fact that many people are unwilling ever to forgive or forget the hurt caused to the princess," said Jennie Bond, the BBC's former royal correspondent.