This is How the Third Royal Baby Might Completely Change British Royal Succession History
Updated: Sep. 28, 2018Find out what the third royal baby could mean for the throne.
Unless you’ve been too enthralled with your long weekend activities to check the news, you’ll know that Prince William and Kate Middleton are expecting their third baby. Anglophiles, rejoice!
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s announcement has already made a ripple online. But few people know that the new royal addition could also have a major impact on the British royal line of succession.
The British royal family lives by some pretty strict rules. For example, the royals have banned the use of these eight words. Here’s another one: Male royals have traditionally had precedence over their sisters when it comes to inheriting the crown. But thanks to the Succession of the Crown Act in 2013, a female child can officially maintain her place in line for succession, no matter the gender of her younger sibling or siblings.
That spells good news for Princess Charlotte, who is currently fourth in line for the throne. She may not be the youngest anymore, but her status for the crown won’t change—regardless of whether she gets a little brother or sister in a few months. (Here’s a guide to what Prince George will inherit.)
Still, a third royal baby means that poor Prince Harry has been bumped down again in the royal succession chain, making him sixth in line for the crown. But we have a feeling the three-time uncle isn’t too upset.
Plus: This is How Much Each Person in the British Royal Family is Actually Worth
