"Royal Family Ties - How to Succeed at Succession . . . "

Greetings,

There seems to be a wee bit of confusion about how the Royal Succession works.  Frankly, I think one of the biggest issues we're dealing with in understanding the royal family - is the fact that HM Queen Elizabeth has been reigning for such a long time.  George VI only reigned for 16 years.  Before him, George V reigned for 26 years.  But, Elizabeth has reigned for almost 70 years. And because so many generations have passed since there has been any changes in The House of Windsor . . . I think we've all forgotten how everything works.

So . . . here's what the future holds for the fine folks at Buckingham Palace in the coming years . . . 

HRH Prince Charles  

After drawing her last breath as Queen . . . HRH Prince Charles will draw his first breath as King.  It actually happens in an instant.  Since November 14th 1948, the day he was born, Prince Charles has been the heir to the throne.  Because of the long, amazing life of his mother - his rise to the throne will be a bit later in life.  There was tabloid rumour last summer about the crown passing directly to William - but,  was just that - internet and tabloid rumour.  The line of succession to the throne is set by legal document . . . and really cannot be altered.  Charles has been taking over more and more duties from his mother, The Queen, in the last decade is looks to be one of the best prepared monarchs to sit on the throne. 

There are also questions about Charles' ability to become King - but, let's deal with that in another post!  

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall

Ok.  This one gets a bit sticky . . . because there's a few untended ends that need attention.  First of all, by British law, once her husband becomes King, Camilla becomes Queen.  But, don't confuse "Queen" with Queen Elizabeth II.  Elizabeth is a 'regnant' Queen - as in the reigning monarch.  Camilla will be a 'consort' Queen - just like the wife of every reigning King throughout history.  Now, the sticky part comes in from the day of their marriage over a decade ago.  On the morning of the service in St. George's Chapel, it was announced from Clarence House that 'it was intended' that Camilla be styled as 'Princess Consort' upon Charles' ascension to the throne.  Ok.  But, within the royal household positions, 'Princess Consort' doesn't exist.  It could certainly be created for her - but, it would need to be approved by Parliament - as well as approved by the member states of The Commonwealth.  Personally, I expect her to be Queen . . . but, I'm also taking a 'wait and see' attitude on this particular point. 

There are also questions about Camilla's ability to become Queen . . . but, let's cover THAT in another post!  

 TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Having Charles as the new King will also impact the lives of William and Catherine and the kids.  A few things will happen automatically - they will become Duke and Duchess of Cornwall (Charles and Camilla's previous titles) as well as Duke and Duchess of Rothesay (also titles held by Charles and Camilla at the moment).  William will also likely (though not automatically) be invested as the new Prince of Wales - making Catherine the next Princess of Wales.  

Also . . . having a new King will mean all the pomp and circumstance of a coronation.  And you KNOW that's gonna be glorious.

Cheerio,

Scot