Britons support the Duchess of Cambridge’s decision to give birth in a private hospital wing instead of an NHS hospital wing
Last month it was revealed that Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, would give birth in a dedicated private wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, and not at an NHS hospital wing. Some had speculated that Kate might choose an NHS wing like the one where she was born. Yesterday, the 5th of July, marked the 65th anniversary of the National Health Service.
The public are widely supportive of Catherine’s decision, however: 63% of the British public think Catherine should have her baby in a private hospital wing if that is what her and her family want. Only 13% of Britons think that she should give birth in an NHS hospital wing, “like most ordinary people in Great Britain do.”
Additionally, 43% of the public think the child of William and Catherine should attend a private school, compared to only 16% who think the child should attend a state school. Another 41% do not have an opinion on the matter.
The next monarch
The poll, conducted less than a fortnight before the baby’s mid-July due date, also finds that the British public widely expect the child, whatever its gender, to be Great Britain’s monarch someday. Last year Commonwealth leaders approved changes that would mean girls have equal rights to boys as heirs to the throne, whereas previously a firstborn girl might lose out to a younger brother. 72% of British adults think it is “very” or “fairly” likely that William and Catherine’s child will be King or Queen at some point.
Despite the level of support for the baby being born in a private wing and attending a private school, people in Britain are not convinced it is “good luck” to be born heir to the throne. Only 22% think it is a fortunate fate to have and 14% think it is “bad luck”, while most people (55%) think it is “neither good luck nor bad luck”.
The Lindo Wing at St Mary’s where Kate will reportedly give birth is the same wing where Princess Diana gave birth to William and Harry. St Mary’s is part of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS trust.
