The Succession Order in the British Royal Family: Clarifying Misconceptions

The recent discussion surrounding Charles, Prince of Wales, and his place in the British Royal Family has led to several misconceptions, particularly regarding his position and the succession order. This article aims to clarify these points by addressing the specific questions asked and providing accurate historical context.

Charles: The First Born and Current King

It is important to correct the factual errors in the initial question. Charles, Prince of Wales, is not a former heir to the throne but, in fact, is the current King of the United Kingdom. He is the first-born child of Queen Elizabeth II and, as such, held the position of heir to the throne during his mother's reign. The succession in the British Royal Family is clearly documented and follows generations of tradition.

The Order of Succession

The succession order within the British Royal Family is based on the primogeniture principle, prioritizing the order of birth. Charles is the first-born child, followed by his younger brothers, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Therefore, the correct order of succession when his mother was the reigning monarch was:

Charles, Prince of Wales (1st in line) Princess Anne (Charles' elder sister) Prince Andrew Prince Edward

Current Succession Order Post-Queen Elizabeth II

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles ascended to the throne as King Charles III. The current order of succession now includes:

His son, Prince William (1st in line after Charles) William's wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (usually listed as the Princess of Wales) Prince George Alexander Louis (William's eldest son, born in 2013, is the current heir apparent) Prince Charlotte Elizabeth Diana (William's daughter, born in 2015, is next in line if George does not have any further children) Prince Louis Arthur Charles (William's second son, born in 2018, follows Charlotte if she does not have further children)

Issues with the Succession Order

Some confusion arises from the succession rules that became more complex after the 2013 heir presumed law, which allowed female heirs to ascend the throne if they were born before the law came into effect. The most recent example of this was the marriage of Prince William to Catherine, whose marriage put their children, George and Charlotte, ahead of their cousin Peter Phillips in the line of succession.

The Position of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, despite their high-profile media presence and public interest in their status, did not alter the succession order in any significant way. As the son of a sovereign, Prince Harry's position in the order was unchanged, and he is not considered for a higher rank unless his father's position changes due to his abdication or death.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, through their marriage to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, did not provide any DNA evidence or other legal proof of paternity, which would have required an amendment to the succession law. They are not recognized as having children who could enter the line of succession based on any claim of Harry's fathering a child with Meghan.

The non-acquittance of their Royal Family duties also means that Prince Harry and Meghan are removed from the line of succession as per the Royal Marriages Act of 1772 and updated provisions in the Succession to the Crown Act of 2013.

In summary, the succession order in the British Royal Family is a matter of tradition and legal documentation. Charles, as the first-born, currently holds the position of King, and the order of succession is well-defined and adhered to by the royal family.