Could Princess Charlotte Ever be Queen?

Posted on by Sofia Soares

The British royal family has always been a subject of fascination and speculation, especially regarding the line of succession to the throne. One question that often arises now that the second Elizabethan has ended, is whether Princess Charlotte, the second child of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, could ever become Queen.

Read more to explore the historical and legal changes that have shaped the line of succession and what this means for Princess Charlotte’s potential future as Queen.

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The Birth and Title of Princess Charlotte

Born on May 2, 2015, as Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, her full title is Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Wales. This name pays homage to her grandfather, King Charles, her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and her late grandmother, Princess Diana. At school, she was known simply as Charlotte Cambridge, a nod to her parents’ titles (at-the-time), Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

As a member of the royal family entitled to be called Her Royal Highness, Charlotte does not usually use a family name. However, when one is required, it is usually Mountbatten-Windsor, a blend of her grandfather Prince Philip’s surname and the royal House of Windsor. This unique naming tradition underscores her deep-rooted connections to British history and her family’s legacy.

Understanding the Succession to the Crown Act

In the twilight years of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II oversaw a profound transformation within the British monarchy. The Succession to the Crown Act of 2013, part of the Perth Agreement, marked a significant shift towards modernising ancient traditions and reflected the values of a changing society. This legislation, one of the Queen’s most impactful final acts, was imbued with a sense of duty and familial love.

This period was particularly resonant for the Queen, who had never expected to ascend to the throne herself. Through her long service, which spanned public duties and military involvement, she had reshaped our view of the strength and dignity of female monarchs. Her own experiences made the changes brought by the Act deeply personal, as they directly impacted her family, including her daughter, Princess Anne, who had once been subject to the very laws now being altered.

The Act abolished the age-old practice of male primogeniture, where a younger son could displace an elder daughter in the line of succession. Now, the crown would pass to the firstborn child, regardless of gender, ensuring that capability, not gender, determined the heir. This change was not just a legislative reform but a continuation of the Queen’s legacy of demonstrating the capabilities of women in leadership.

Furthermore, the Act removed the disqualification from succession for those who married Catholics, reflecting the Queen’s broader acceptance of modern religious views and her commitment to the happiness of her descendants. It also streamlined the requirement for royal permissions, limiting the sovereign’s consent to marriages to only the first six in line to the throne, thus granting her family greater personal freedom.

These reforms, crafted under the Queen’s watchful eye, were underscored by her visionary desire to see the monarchy remain relevant and respected in contemporary times. As one of her last major legislative influences, the Succession to the Crown Act of 2013 stands as a testament to her wisdom and a profound expression of her deep affection for her family.

Impact of the Succession Changes on Princess Charlotte

The abolition of male primogeniture marked a profound and historic shift in the traditions of the British monarchy, deeply impacting Princess Charlotte’s position within the royal family. When her younger brother, Prince Louis, was born in April 2018, Charlotte became the first princess not to lose her place in the line of succession due to the birth of a male sibling. Now securely third in line to the throne, after her grandfather, King Charles III, and her father, Prince William, her role represents a bold step forward towards gender equality in the monarchy.

This progressive change ensures that succession is determined by birth order, not gender, setting a meaningful precedent for future generations. It’s a change that resonates beyond the royal family, as seen in the case of Zara Tindall’s daughters, Mia and Lena. They retain their places in the succession line despite the birth of their younger brother, Lucas, illustrating a broader shift towards fairness and equality that will influence the royal family for years to come.

Historical Context of Royal Succession

The reforms introduced by the Succession to the Crown Act of 2013 draw a stark contrast with the past, offering a poignant glimpse into the shifting sands of tradition within the British monarchy. The story of Lady Louise Windsor underscores the dramatic change: born before the Act’s implementation, she finds herself placed further down the line of succession than her younger brother, James, Earl of Wessex, despite her seniority by four years. This scenario echoes the earlier experiences of the Princess Royal, born in 1950, who was initially third in line to the throne but was subsequently overtaken by her younger brothers.

Historically, royal succession was heavily influenced by gender, with many princesses overshadowed by their younger male siblings. This old system, where male preference could dictate the future of the monarchy, often placed capable women in the shadows, merely because of their birth order and gender. 

The reforms of 2013 represent not just a legal adjustment, but a heartfelt step toward rectifying these historical inequalities. They pave the way for a more modern and inclusive monarchy, one where royal duties and privileges are not confined by gender but are embraced by all, ensuring a fairer future for every child born into the royal family.

Speculations and Future Possibilities

While it remains uncertain if Princess Charlotte will become Queen, given her current position as third in line to the throne, there are intriguing future possibilities worth considering. If Prince George, the current heir, does not have children or chooses to abdicate, Charlotte would be next in line. In such a scenario, she could potentially ascend to the throne, marking a significant moment in British history.

Even if she never becomes Queen, Charlotte is likely to play an important role within the royal family. One prestigious title she might inherit is that of the Princess Royal. This title is typically bestowed upon the eldest daughter of the monarch and is similar to the Prince of Wales title for senior male members of the royal family.

The Princess Royal Title

The Princess Royal title, currently held by Princess Anne, is not automatically passed down but is bestowed by the reigning monarch. As King Charles III has no daughters, the title will likely be held in suspension once Princess Anne passes away. However, it is anticipated that Princess Charlotte will be granted this title once her father, Prince William, ascends the throne. This would honour her position as the eldest daughter of the monarch and recognise her significant role within the royal family.

Trivia: The Naming of Princess Charlotte

Princess Charlotte’s name carries rich historical significance. Named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, she honours her grandfather, Prince Charles, her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and her late grandmother, Princess Diana. The name Charlotte, the feminine form of Charles, gained popularity in the 18th century as the name of George III’s queen – Queen Charlotte.

Interestingly, Buckingham House, now known as Buckingham Palace, was purchased in 1761 for Queen Charlotte to use as a family home. It became known as the Queen’s House and remains the primary residence of the British monarch, underscoring the historical ties embedded in Princess Charlotte’s name.