News
September 02, 2025
What Queen Elizabeth II really thought about changing line of succession rules revealed
The late Queen oversaw a huge change to the law of succession in 2013, ensuring any firstborn child of a monarch would be next in line to the throne.
Queen Elizabeth II's role in the landmark 2013 change to the line of succession has been brought into sharper focus, revealing the late monarch’s profound commitment to gender equality within the Royal Family. The Succession to the Crown Act 2013, a monumental piece of legislation, abolished the centuries-old rule of male primogeniture, meaning that a firstborn daughter would no longer be leapfrogged in the line of succession by a younger brother.
For generations, the Royal Family, like many aristocratic families, adhered to a system that prioritized male heirs. This meant that even if a monarch’s eldest child was a daughter, the throne would pass to her younger brother, regardless of age. The 2013 Act swept away this archaic practice, establishing absolute primogeniture, where the eldest child, regardless of gender, would inherit the throne.
While the Act required the agreement of all 16 Commonwealth realms, where the Queen was Head of State, its passage through the UK Parliament was largely seamless, signaling widespread support for the change. Sources suggest that Queen Elizabeth II was a firm advocate for the reform, believing it was a necessary and overdue step towards modernizing the monarchy and reflecting contemporary values of equality.
The impact of this change is already evident. Princess Charlotte, the second child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is fourth in line to the throne, ahead of her younger brother, Prince Louis. Under the old rules, Prince Louis would have superseded his elder sister.
The Act also removed the rule that individuals who married Roman Catholics were excluded from the line of succession. This provision further modernized the rules, reflecting a more tolerant and inclusive approach to faith within the Royal Family.
The Queen's quiet but firm support for the Succession to the Crown Act underscores her dedication to evolving the monarchy while upholding its traditions. It serves as a reminder of her astute understanding of public sentiment and her willingness to embrace change to ensure the continued relevance and stability of the Crown for generations to come. The changes implemented in 2013 stand as a significant part of her legacy, demonstrating her commitment to a fairer and more equitable future for the Royal Family.
For generations, the Royal Family, like many aristocratic families, adhered to a system that prioritized male heirs. This meant that even if a monarch’s eldest child was a daughter, the throne would pass to her younger brother, regardless of age. The 2013 Act swept away this archaic practice, establishing absolute primogeniture, where the eldest child, regardless of gender, would inherit the throne.
While the Act required the agreement of all 16 Commonwealth realms, where the Queen was Head of State, its passage through the UK Parliament was largely seamless, signaling widespread support for the change. Sources suggest that Queen Elizabeth II was a firm advocate for the reform, believing it was a necessary and overdue step towards modernizing the monarchy and reflecting contemporary values of equality.
The impact of this change is already evident. Princess Charlotte, the second child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is fourth in line to the throne, ahead of her younger brother, Prince Louis. Under the old rules, Prince Louis would have superseded his elder sister.
The Act also removed the rule that individuals who married Roman Catholics were excluded from the line of succession. This provision further modernized the rules, reflecting a more tolerant and inclusive approach to faith within the Royal Family.
The Queen's quiet but firm support for the Succession to the Crown Act underscores her dedication to evolving the monarchy while upholding its traditions. It serves as a reminder of her astute understanding of public sentiment and her willingness to embrace change to ensure the continued relevance and stability of the Crown for generations to come. The changes implemented in 2013 stand as a significant part of her legacy, demonstrating her commitment to a fairer and more equitable future for the Royal Family.
Category:
Politics