The royal family: what is the line of succession?

The royal family line determines who will be the next king or queen. Known as the line of succession, the order changes when royal babies are born but it is always clear who will be the next monarch.

Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022; however, even if Prince Philip, who died in 2021, had outlived her, he would not have become king as he was not next in line to succeed her.

Instead Charles, as her firstborn son, became king and in time will be succeeded by the heir apparent, his own firstborn son, William, Prince of Wales.

When the time comes, his firstborn, Prince George, who is 10 years old at the time of writing, will become king.

But where does the rest of the royal family, including Princess Charlotte, Princess Beatrice and Prince Harry’s baby Lilibet come in the order?

Here is what we know.

How is the heir to the British throne chosen?

Formerly the principle of male primogeniture applied, so a boy would always be preferred over a girl. This would allow a younger brother to inherit the throne before his olderunanimously approved the changes in October 2011.