Succession to the British Throne

Succession to the British Throne has generally been according to the rules of male-preference primogeniture. In other words, an individual's male children are preferred over his or her female children, and an older child is preferred over a younger child of the same gender, with children representing their deceased ancestors. Succession in the United Kingdom is governed now by the Act of Union 1800, which restates the provisions of the Act of Settlement 1701 and the Bill of Rights (1689). The rules of primogeniture apply, but those who are not legitimate descendants of Sophia, Electress of Hanover, those who have ever been Roman Catholics, or who have married Roman Catholics are disbarred from succeeding to the Crown.

Related Topics:
British Throne - Male-preference primogeniture - Male - Female - Act of Union 1800 - Act of Settlement 1701 - Bill of Rights - 1689 - Sophia, Electress of Hanover - Roman Catholics

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The first four individuals (twenty-one years or older) in the line of succession, along with the Sovereign's consort, may be appointed Counsellors of State. Counsellors of State are individuals who perform some of the Sovereign's duties whilst he or she is outside the nation or temporarily incapacitated. Otherwise, individuals in the line of succession need not specifically have specific legal or official duties (though members of the Royal Family often do).

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The heir apparent to Elizabeth II, the present Sovereign, is her eldest son, HRH The Prince of Wales. Next in line is HRH Prince William of Wales, the Prince of Wales' eldest son. (For further individuals in the line of succession, see Line of Succession to the British throne.)

Related Topics:
Heir apparent - Elizabeth II - HRH The Prince of Wales - HRH Prince William of Wales - Line of Succession to the British throne

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