Kate Middleton, Prince William Top Rumor 2017: Couple The Next King, Queen

Among the favorite royal stories this year is Prince William and Kate Middleton being the next king and queen.

According to Gossip Cop, the most favorite rumor involving the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge this year is the report claiming that Prince William and Middleton would be crowned as the new king and queen in the summer. Of course, this did not happen.

Earlier this year, Star announced that Queen Elizabeth II was ill and would be stepping down from the throne. The publication added that "instead of passing the crown to her son and rightful heir, Prince Charles, she's handing over the reign to William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the historic coronation will happen this summer." Life & Style also purported that the "official announcement" would happen in August.

The rumored coronation did not happen. However, many were convinced that Prince William should be the next in line to the throne. In November, a poll from YouGov revealed that 56 percent of the Brits favored the Duke of Cambridge to be the next king. Meanwhile, Prince Charles comes next with 13 percent and Prince Harry is at the last with 10 percent.

On the other hand, Middleton is leading the race to be the next queen. Sixty-three percent favored the Duchess of Cambridge. Camilla Parker-Bowles received eight percent while three percent favored Meghan Markle.

According to Newsweek, the royals have positive approval rating. Prince Harry and Prince William both have 82 percent approval ratings. Queen Elizabeth II follows with 80 percent, Middleton with 77 percent and Prince Philip with 65 percent.

Markle who will be officially joining the royal family in 2018 received 49 percent positive views from the public. Meanwhile, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall have 47 percent and 33 percent approval ratings, respectively.

The publication noted that while the poll is interesting, this does not determine who will be the next king and queen. The line of succession deemed Prince Charles, the queen's eldest son, to be the next monarch. Prince William and Middleton are next in line.

Their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte follow. At the time, Prince Harry is fifth in line, but this will eventually change when Prince William and Middleton's third royal baby arrives.

Did you believe the news that Prince William and Middleton will be crowned king and queen this year? Drop a comment below.