However, the survey published in Britain's Mail on Sunday showed that public opinion remains firmly against Parker Bowles ever marrying the heir to the British throne and reigning as queen.

Sixty-six per cent of those interviewed supported Charles's decision to allow the meeting to go ahead, after his elder son William, 16, the second in line to the throne, decided to drop into St.James's Palace unexpectedly in mid-June.

And 45 per cent like the woman who has been Charles's mistress on and off for over 20 years and was blamed by Diana for the break-up of her marriage - compared to 28 per cent the year of the Princess's divorce in 1996.But 72 per cent feel that Parker Bowles should never be queen.

The ICM poll interviewed 651 people across Britain on July 10 and11.Charles, 49, has said he will never re-marry but clearly wants to be able to appear in public with Parker Bowles, 50, if not at his side, at least only a few paces behind.

However, given the unshakable popularity of Diana, he continues to keep his mistress firmly hidden from public view.

The Sunday Mirror tabloid reported meanwhile that Queen Elizabeth II is considering inviting Parker Bowles to a special birthday ball for Charles at Buckingham Palace in November.

The invitation, it said, would mark the official royal seal of approval on Parker Bowles's relationship with the Prince.

Both princes William and Harry, 13, who is yet to meet his father's long-time companion, would attend the ball, the newspaper said.