Princess Charlotte Makes History as First Female Royal to Retain Place in Line of Succession

Princess Charlotte, daughter of Prince William and Kate Middleton, made history at just two years old when her younger brother, Prince Louis, was born in April 2018.

She became the first female royal to benefit from the change of succession law, which states that girls will not be overtaken by any future younger brothers.

This meant that Charlotte retained her place as fourth in line to the throne while Louis is fifth.

The UK succession laws were updated ahead of Prince George's birth in 2013 to allow a possible firstborn daughter of Prince William and Kate to take precedence over any younger brothers.

The decision was unanimously approved at the Commonwealth Summit in Australia back in 2011, changing a 300 year rule.

The old succession law stated that heir to the throne would be the firstborn son of the king or queen, and a title would only pass to a daughter when there are no sons.

Earlier, the act only applied to those born after October 28, 2011, so other female royals such as Princess Anne and Lady Louise Windsor missed out on the reward.

As she was born prior to the act coming into action, Princess Anne, who celebrated her 72nd birthday in late August, is much further down the line of succession to Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, her two younger brothers.

The only daughter of the late queen is currently 16th in line of succession.

Lady Louise, the only daughter of Prince Edward, was born in November 2003.

Her birthdate meant she was overtaken in the line of succession by her younger brother, James Viscount Servin.

James, the son of Prince Edward, was born four years after Louis in December 2007.

If the act had been placed in the 1950s, Anne's children, Peter and Zara, who both don't hold HRH titles, would be closer to the throne than Prince Andrew's two daughters.

However, Prince William's daughter is the only female royal who has benefited from the act changed so far.

According to expert Marlene Koeing, who previously spoke at Express, Charlotte will never be pushed down the royal line of succession.

She also pointed out that despite this, the gender equal line of succession doesn't apply to Princess Anne.

The change in succession law marked the first time that a girl has kept her rank rather than drop a place to her younger brother.

This is a significant step towards gender equality in the royal family and reflects the changing attitudes towards women in positions of power.

It is unclear whether Princess Charlotte will overtake Harry and Meghan in the line of succession, but it is an interesting prospect to consider.

Many royal enthusiasts are also wondering whether a little bit of Diana will have any chance in the royal succession.

Overall, Princess Charlotte's retention of her place in the line of succession is a significant moment in the history of the British monarchy.

It represents a move towards gender equality and reflects the changing attitudes towards women in positions of power.

As for the future, only time will tell what changes lie ahead for the royal family.