Public split on Royal Baby holiday

William JordanUS Elections Editor
July 04, 2013, 10:36 AM GMT+0

The public is split on whether the royal baby’s christening or birth should be a bank holiday, with young people decisively in favour of the idea and older voters opposed

William and Catherine’s child will be christened in a replica of the christening gown worn by Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, it has been revealed. The baptism of baby, who is the third in line to the throne, is expected to take place in the Buckingham Palace Music Room. A photograph of the royal family is usually sent to the media after the event, which is traditionally a private affair.

People in Britain are split on whether the baby's birth or baptism should be made a public holiday, according to a new YouGov poll. Forty-six percent of the public think the events do not deserve an extra bank holiday, compared to 43% who think a holiday is warranted.

However, the younger half of the population diverges significantly from the older half. 57% of voters aged 18-24 and 59% of those between 25 and 39 say there should be an extra bank holiday for the christening, but 49% voters between 40-59 and 64% of over 60s say the christening should not be marked with a bank holiday.

In comparison, a November 2012 YouGov survey found that 66% of people in England agreed that St. George’s Day should be made a public holiday.

Prince William’s 1982 christening also took place in the Buckingham Palace Music Room. Prince William has six godparents, but the Prince of Wales was given eight.

Image: Getty

See the full poll results

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