Royal Succession: What If Princess Elizabeth Had Had Charles and Then Died?
The realm of royal succession is a complex and fascinating topic, filled with historical precedent and legal intricacies. What if Princess Elizabeth had married Prince Charles before 1952 and then died? This scenario, while unlikely, can help us understand the nuances of the succession laws that have shaped the modern British monarchy.
Legal Marriage Age and Royal Succession
It is important to note that such a scenario would have been virtually impossible due to the legal marriage age for Princess Elizabeth. She was not permitted to marry until 1942. By that time, her mother was nearly past childbearing age, making the likelihood of any royal children being born before 1952 extremely slim.
The Role of George VI’s Potential Son
Had King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth (then the Queen consort), managed to have a son before she passed away in 1952, the succession would have been dramatically different. Under the laws of the time, a male heir from the reigning monarch would have inherited the throne, bypassing any future female heirs.
The Heir Presumptive and Elizabeth
Despite the unlikelihood of Elizabeth giving birth again at the age of 52, she was referred to as Heir Presumptive rather than Heir Apparent. This distinction was a formal recognition that her father's potential male heirs could change the course of the succession. Even until 1952, Elizabeth was only the heir presumptive, with King George VI being the heir apparent.
Changes in Inheritance Laws
The rules of succession have significantly evolved over the years, particularly with the change to male preference primogeniture in 2015, allowing daughters to come before their younger brothers in the line of succession. As a result, Princess Charlotte is now next in line, before Prince Louis, while Princess Anne, despite being older, ranks behind Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
The Succession Crisis if George VI Had a Son
If King George VI had had a son before his death in 1952, the new son would have taken precedence in the line of succession. This scenario would have placed the new son and his descendants ahead of Elizabeth and her children. Thus, the son of King George VI would have been first in line, followed by his children, and then Princess Elizabeth and her offspring.
Current Succession Laws
The laws regarding the succession have changed to allow for a more gender-neutral approach. Starting from 2012, daughters can now be given precedence over younger brothers. This change means that Princess Charlotte is now in line for the throne, ahead of her younger brother, Prince Louis. Additionally, Princess Anne is no longer behind her sons, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, due to these new rules.
Conclusion
The royal succession laws have evolved significantly, reflecting changing attitudes and the complexities of the modern world. The scenario of Princess Elizabeth having Charles before 1952 and then dying would have dramatically reshaped the line of succession, emphasizing the importance of understanding the historical and legal context of royal succession.