After more than 300 years of the first-born male heir being the successor to the throne in the United Kingdom, Commonwealth leaders have voted that male and female heirs have equal right to the throne. Sure, kings and queens these days are pretty much just figureheads rather than political decision-makers — but at least this highly visible position is no longer tailored just for a boy.
Under the old laws, the only time a female could succeed the throne was if there were no sons born to the line. All these monarchy rules seem pretty antiquated, but if the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (you know, William and Kate!) were to have a daughter first before this change, she would be passed up for the throne until a younger son was born. Now, if the rumors have any substance to them, if Kate gives birth to a girl, she could someday be queen.
Oh, plus, the Commonwealth said it’s OK for the monarch to marry a Roman Catholic now, since it was previously banned. Just in case you want to update your trivia knowledge! [via BBC News]
Female equality in all forms is a reason to say hooray!
What do you think, Lovelies? Glad that a future baby daughter of William and Kate’s has an unprecedented chance to be queen?
lily / 5148 posts
Finally (as I’ve been recently studying english royal history lately ;P).
guest
If they really wanted to make progress they would make it so there wouldn’t be another king/queen after this one.
rose / 980 posts
I was wondering about that the other day. I wonder how often an older daughter was passed up for the monarchy in history.
guest
Hasn’t this been about for like a week? Anyways, I’ve heard rumours that they changed it because Kate is pregnant and whatever the sex of the baby is they want it to be next in line. But there’s been rumours she’s been pregnant since before the wedding haha. People are saying because of this law being changed, and because she recently said no to eating peanut butter (because it can apparently cause allergies in the baby) and her reps said she’s not allergic to it.
sunflower / 393 posts
Well props to the rule change. Kings and queens don’t really hold any substantial power, as previously stated, but who cares. I enjoy the royaltyness of it all.