Ensuring Gender Equality and Religious Freedom in the British Monarchy

Princess Charlotte, born on May 2, 2015, is currently third in line to the British throne. This position is secured thanks to a significant reform, the Succession to the Crown Act (2013), which ended the system of male primogeniture.

Prior to this Act, younger brothers would have overtaken their older sisters in the line of succession. This meant that Princess Charlotte could have been displaced by her younger brother, Prince Louis. However, the Act, which came into force in March 2015, just two months before Charlotte's birth, ensures that the firstborn child, regardless of gender, will always precede their siblings.

This reform also impacted other members of the Royal Family. Lady Louise Windsor and Princess Anne, both born before the Act, are now positioned behind their younger brothers in the line of succession.

The Act was unanimously approved by leaders of the 16 Commonwealth countries in 2011, following the wedding of Prince William and Princess Kate. It was passed by Parliament in 2013, but required approval from all countries where Queen Elizabeth II was head of state before coming into effect.

The Act also removed discrimination against Roman Catholics, allowing them to marry and become king or queen. However, a Roman Catholic royal still cannot become monarch as the monarch also serves as the supreme governor of the Church of England. Prince Harry was the first person in the line of succession to benefit from this change when he married Meghan Markle in 2018.