The British royal family operates under a meticulously crafted system of succession to the throne, governed by historical laws and constitutional precedents. A point of curiosity for many royal observers is why Princess Charlotte, the daughter of Prince William and Kate Middleton, holds precedence over Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, in the line of succession.
To understand this, we must delve into the rules governing royal succession, the impact of recent legislative changes, and the differences in status between a born royal and a royal by marriage.
The line of succession to the British throne is determined by descent, legitimacy, religion, and, since 2013, gender-neutral primogeniture. Princess Charlotte, born in 2015 as the second child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is fourth in line to the throne, following her father, Prince William; her elder brother, Prince George; and preceding her younger brother, Prince Louis. This position reflects her birthright as a direct descendant of the current royal line.
Meghan Markle, as the wife of Prince Harry, is not in the line of succession at all. Marriage into the royal family does not confer a place in the line of succession; instead, this is reserved for individuals born into the Windsor lineage.
Before the implementation of the Succession to the Crown Act in 2013, male-preference primogeniture meant that younger male siblings could displace older sisters in the line of succession. However, this law was amended to establish absolute primogeniture for those born after October 28, 2011. This change ensured that Princess Charlotte retained her position in the line of succession, even after the birth of her younger brother, Prince Louis.
Had this law not been enacted, Princess Charlotte would have been superseded by Prince Louis, as was the historical norm. This legislative shift underscores the modernization of royal traditions and the move towards gender equality within the monarchy.
Princess Charlotte’s precedence over Meghan Markle highlights a fundamental distinction within the royal hierarchy. Charlotte is a "born royal," meaning she is a member of the royal family by blood and entitled to a place in the line of succession. Meghan, as a "royal by marriage," enjoys the title of Duchess of Sussex but holds no inherent claim to the throne.
This distinction is not unique to Meghan Markle but applies universally to all those who marry into the royal family, including Queen Camilla, the Duchess of Edinburgh (formerly Sophie Rhys-Jones), and others.
While titles are significant symbols of status within the royal family, they do not affect succession rights. Princess Charlotte carries the title of "Her Royal Highness," reflecting her seniority as a direct descendant of the heir to the throne. Meghan Markle’s title, "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex," is a courtesy title conferred by marriage and does not impact her non-existent place in the line of succession.
Princess Charlotte’s precedence over Meghan Markle in royal succession is rooted in the rules of birthright and the modernized principles of absolute primogeniture. As a direct descendant of the heir to the throne, Charlotte enjoys a secure place in the royal hierarchy, while Meghan Markle’s status as a royal by marriage excludes her from the line of succession altogether.
This distinction underscores the enduring importance of bloodline within the British monarchy, even as it evolves to embrace contemporary values of gender equality. For royal enthusiasts, this clarity offers an insightful glimpse into the traditions and intricacies that continue to shape the House of Windsor.
