Overview

This bill alters the rules of succession to the British throne. It removes gender as a factor in determining the order of succession for those born after October 28th, 2011, and eliminates the disqualification of individuals from succeeding to the Crown due to marrying a Roman Catholic. It also updates the rules regarding Royal marriages requiring Sovereign consent.

Description

The Succession to the Crown Bill makes several key changes:

• Gender Equality in Succession: The line of succession will no longer favor male heirs over female heirs for those born after October 28th, 2011. The eldest child, regardless of gender, will inherit the throne.
• Marriage to Roman Catholics: Individuals are no longer barred from inheriting the throne simply because they marry a Roman Catholic.
• Royal Marriages: The six individuals next in line to the throne must obtain the Sovereign's consent before marrying. Failure to obtain consent disqualifies the individual and their descendants from the succession. The existing Royal Marriages Act 1772, which previously governed this matter, is repealed, with provisions for existing marriages to be regularized where appropriate.
• Consequential Amendments: The bill makes consequential amendments to several existing Acts, including the Treason Act 1351, the Bill of Rights, the Act of Settlement, and the Regency Act 1937, to ensure consistency with the changes to the rules of succession.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly detailed in the provided text. The cost is likely minimal, primarily associated with the legislative process itself and any necessary administrative changes to reflect the updated succession rules. No figures are available.

Groups Affected

• Royal Family Members: The bill directly affects the order of succession for the Royal Family, particularly those born after October 28th, 2011.
• Future Monarchs: The bill changes the rules governing who can become the monarch.
• Individuals marrying into the Royal Family: The updated rules on Royal marriage consent impact potential spouses of those in the line of succession.
• Historians and Legal Scholars: The changes made by the bill will require updated interpretations of historical legal texts relating to succession to the Crown.

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