Expert: Mark Smith - 5/13/2011

Question
I recently read that England is thinking of changing the rule of royal succession so that a first-born female becomes queen even if there is a second-born male (i.e., her brother)

Has this change been made. If not, is it likely to pass

Many thanks,

Steve

Answer
Hello Steve.
There has been talk recently of changing the rules of succession, but nothing has been done as yet. The problem is that the rules would have to be changed in the 15 countries who recognize the British Monarch as Head of State. If one country refused to change then the whole scheme would collapse, plus they would all have to adopt the new rules at the same time. The logistics of arranging all that will make it extremely difficult. If Prince William's first child is a boy the idea will disappear, but if she's a girl it could re-open the debate. It's all many years in the future anyway.
Mark