History of the British line of succession

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A history of the British line of succession, showing its state immediately prior to the death of each monarch. Normally, only the first ten people are listed here.

Contents 1 Ethelred the Unready 2 Edmund Ironside 3 Canute the Great 4 Harold Harefoot 5 Harthacanute 6 Edward the Confessor 7 Harold Godwinson 8 Edgar Ætheling 9 William I 10 William II 11 Henry I 12 Stephen 13 Henry II 14 Richard I 15 John 16 Henry III 17 Edward I 18 Edward II 19 Edward III 20 Richard II 21 Henry IV 22 Henry V 23 Henry VI (first instance) 24 Edward IV (first instance) 25 Henry VI (second instance) 26 Edward IV (second instance) 27 Edward V 28 Richard III 29 Henry VII 30 Henry VIII 31 Edward VI 32 Mary I 33 Elizabeth I 34 James I 35 Charles I 36 Charles II 37 James II 38 William III & Mary II 39 William III 40 Anne 41 George I 42 George II 43 George III 44 George IV 45 William IV 46 Victoria 47 Edward VII 48 George V 49 Edward VIII 50 George VI 51 References 52 See also

[edit] Ethelred the Unready

On the day of Ethelred the Unready's death, 23rd April, 1016, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows:

1. Edmund Ironside (b. 988) Ethelred's son
2. Ecgberht Ætheling, Ethelred's son
3. Eadred Ætheling, Ethelred's son
4. Eadwig Ætheling, Ethelred's son
5. Edward the Confessor (b. 1004) Ethelred's son
6. Ælfred Ætheling, Ethelred's son
7. Eadgyth (b. 910) Ethelred's daughter
8. Ælgifu, Ethelred's daughter
9. Goda of England (b. 1004) Ethelred's daughter

The line is untraceable beyond this point.

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the next in line.

[edit] Edmund Ironside

On the day of Edmund Ironside's death, 30th November, 1016, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows:

1. Edward the Exile (b. 1015) Edmund's son
2. Edmund Ironside Jnr., Edmund's son
3. Ecgberht Ætheling, Edmund's brother
4. Eadred Ætheling, Edmund's brother
5. Eadwig Ætheling, Edmund's brother
6. Edward the Confessor (b. 1004) Edmund's brother
7. Ælfred Ætheling, Edmund's brother
8. Eadgyth (b. 910) Edmund's sister
9. Ælgifu, Edmund's sister
10. Goda of England (b. 1004) Edmund's sister

Upon his death, the throne passed to Canute the Great, who invaded from Denmark.

[edit] Canute the Great

On the day of Canute the Great's death, 12th November, 1035, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows:

1. Harold Harefoot (b. 1015) Canute's son
2. Harthacanute (b. 1018) Canute's son
3. Gunhilda of Denmark (b. 1020) Canute's daughter

The line is untraceable beyond this point

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the next in line.

[edit] Harold Harefoot

On the day of Harold Harefoot's death, 17th March, 1040, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows:

1. Elfwine Harefoot. Harold's son
2. Harthacanute (b. 1018) Harold's brother
3. Beatrice of Denmark (b. 1037) Harold's niece via sister Gunhilda of Denmark

The line is untraceable beyond this point

Upon his death, the throne passed to Harthacanute.

[edit] Harthacanute

On the day of Harthacanute's death, 8th June, 1042, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows:

1. Elfwine Harefoot. Harthacanute's nephew via brother Harold Harefoot
2. Beatrice of Denmark. Harthacanute's niece via sister Gunhilda of Denmark
3. Edward the Confessor (b. c1004) Harthacanute's half brother via mother Emma of Normandy
4. Goda of England (b. 1004) Edward's sister
5. Ralph the Timid. Goda's son

The line is untraceable beyond this point

Upon his death, the throne passed to Edward.

[edit] Edward the Confessor

On the day of Edward the Confessor's death, 4th January, 1066, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows:

1. Edgar Ætheling (b. 1051), Edward's great nephew via brother Edmund Ironside
2. Saint Margaret of Scotland (b. 1045), Edgar's sister
3. Cristina (b. 1040s) Edgar's sister

It is difficult to trace Edward's line beyond this point.

Upon his death, the Witan overuled the succession and Harold Godwinson became King Harold II

[edit] Harold Godwinson

On the day of Harold Godwinson's death, 14th October, 1066, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows:

1. Godwin Godwinson. Harold's 1st son
2. Edmund Godwinson. Harold's 2nd son
3. Magnus Godwinson. Harold's 3rd son
4. Harold Godwinson Jnr. Harold's 4th son
5. Ulf Godwinson. Harold Snr's 5th son
6. Gunhild Godwinson. Harold Snr's 1st daughter
7. Gytha of Wessex. Harold Snr's 2nd daughter
8. Edith of Wessex (b. 1029) Harold Snr's sister
9. Sweyn II of Denmark (b. 1019) Harold Snr's cousin via uncle Ulf Jarl
10. Harald III of Denmark (b. 1041) Sweyn's son

Upon his death, the Witan overuled the succession and Edgar Ætheling, Edward the Confessor's rightful heir, became King.

[edit] Edgar Ætheling

On the day of Edgar Ætheling's submission, 10th December, 1066, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows:

1. Saint Margaret of Scotland (b. 1045) Edgar Ætheling's sister
2. Christina (b. 1040s) Edgar Ætheling's sister
3. Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor (b. 1050) Edgar Ætheling's 4th cousin once removed via aunt Liutgarde
4. Conrad II, Duke of Bavaria (b. 1052) Henry IV's brother
5. Adelaide of Rome (b. 1045) Henry IV's sister
6. Judith of Swabia (b. 1047/1054) Henry IV's sister

There is no clear heir to Edgar Ætheling after Judith.

After his submission to Duke William of Normandy, the Duke became King William

[edit] William I

On the day of William I's death, 9 September 1087, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Robert Curthose (b. 1054), son of William I
2. William Rufus (b. 1056), son of William I
3. Henry Beauclerc (b. 1068), son of William I
4. Adela of Normandy (b. 1062), daughter of William I
5. Stephen of Aumale (b. 1070), son of William I's sister Adelaide
6. Judith of Lens (b. 1055), daughter of William I's sister Adelaide
7. Maud, Countess of Huntingdon (b. 1074), daughter of Judith of Lens
8. William I, Count of Burgundy (b. 1020), son of Adelaide who was eldest daughter of William I's grandfather Richard II of Normandy
9. Reginald II, Count of Burgundy (b. 1061), son of William, Count of Burgundy
10. Stephen I, Count of Burgundy (b. 1065), son of William, Count of Burgundy

However, due to the partition of William's lands upon his death, the crown of England fell to his second son, William Rufus, who became William II.

[edit] William II

On the day of William II's death, 2 August 1100, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Robert Curthose (b. 1054), brother of William II
2. Henry Beauclerc (b. 1068), brother of William II
3. Adela of Normandy (b. 1062), sister of William II
4. William of Blois (b. 1089), son of Adela of Normandy
5. Theobald of Blois (b. 1090), son of Adela of Normandy
6. Stephen of Blois (b. 1096), son of Adela of Normandy
7. Stephen of Aumale (b. 1070), son of William I's sister Adelaide
8. Judith of Lens (b. 1055), daughter of William I's sister Adelaide
9. Maud, Countess of Huntingdon (b. 1074), daughter of Judith of Lens
10. Waltheof (b. 1095), son of Maud of Huntingdon

However, Henry Beauclerc usurped the crown (the first person since the conquest to do so), seizing it while his brother Robert was away on crusade. He became Henry I.

[edit] Henry I

On the day of Henry I's death, 1 December 1135, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Empress Matilda (b. 1102), daughter of Henry I
2. Henry Plantagenet (b. 1133), son of Empress Matilda
3. Geoffrey Plantagenet (b. 1134), son of Empress Matilda
4. Adela of Normandy (b. 1062), sister of Henry I
5. William, Count of Chartres (b. 1089), son of Adela of Normandy
6. issue of William, Count of Chartres (unrecorded)
7. Theobald II, Count of Champagne (b. 1090), son of Adela of Normandy
8. Henry of Champagne (b. 1125), son of Theobald
9. Theobald of Champagne (b. 1127), son of Theobald
10. Stephen of Champagne (b. 1133), son of Theobald

However, the throne was usurped by Stephen of Blois (the third son of Adela of Normandy), despite the fact that he was only thirteenth in line - the second person since the conquest to do so. He became King Stephen.

[edit] Stephen

On the day of Stephen's death, 25 October 1154, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. William, Count of Boulogne (b. 1137), son of Stephen
2. Marie of Blois (b. 1136), daughter of Stephen
3. Henry I, Count of Champagne (b. 1125), son of Stephen's brother Theobald
4. Theobald V, Count of Blois (b. 1127), son of Stephen's brother Theobald
5. Stephen I of Sancerre (b. 1133), son of Stephen's brother Theobald
6. Guillaume aux Blanches Mains (b. 1135), son of Stephen's brother Theobald
7. Adèle of Champagne (b. 1140), daughter of Stephen's brother Theobald
8. Isabelle of Champagne, daughter of Stephen's brother Theobald
9. Marie of Champagne, daughter of Stephen's brother Theobald
10. Margaret of Champagne, daughter of Stephen's brother Theobald

However, Stephen agreed to make his cousin Matilda's son Henry Plantagenet king after him, despite Henry only being about 30th in line to the throne. He became Henry II.

[edit] Henry II

On the day of Henry II's death, 6 July 1189, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Richard the Lionheart (b. 1157), son of Henry II
2. Arthur of Brittany (b. 1187), son of Henry II's son Geoffrey, Duke of Brittany
3. Eleanor, Fair Maid of Brittany (b. 1184), daughter of Geoffrey, Duke of Brittany
4. John Lackland (b. 1166), son of Henry II
5. Matilda of England (b. 1156), daughter of Henry II
6. Henry of Brunswick (b. 1173), son of Matilda
7. Lothar of Brunswick (b. 1174), son of Matilda
8. Otto of Brunswick (b. 1175), son of Matilda
9. William of Winchester (b. 1184), son of Matilda
10. Matilda of Brunswick (b. 1171), daughter of Matilda

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line (the first such happening since William I's conquest), who became Richard I.

[edit] Richard I

On the day of Richard I's death, 6 April 1199, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Arthur I, Duke of Brittany (b. 1187), son of Richard I's brother Geoffrey, Duke of Brittany
2. Eleanor, Fair Maid of Brittany (b. 1184), daughter of Geoffrey, Duke of Brittany
3. John Lackland (b. 1166), brother of Richard I
4. Henry V, Count Palatine of the Rhine (b. 1173), son of Richard I's sister Matilda, Duchess of Saxony
5. Prince Henry of the Rhine (b. 1197), son of Henry V
6. Otto of Brunswick (b. 1175), son of Matilda
7. William of Winchester, Lord of Lunenburg (b. 1184), son of Matilda
8. Matilda of Brunswick (b. 1171), daughter of Matilda
9. Richenza of Brunswick (b. 1172), daughter of Matilda
10. Leonora of England (b. 1162), sister of Richard I

However, the throne was usurped by Richard's brother John Lackland, who became the third person since the conquest to do so, and King John.

[edit] John

On the day of John's death, 19 October 1216, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Henry of Winchester (b. 1207), son of John
2. Richard of Cornwall (b. 1209), son of John
3. Joan of England (b. 1210), daughter of John
4. Isabella of England (b. 1214), daughter of John
5. Eleanor of England (b. 1215), daughter of John
6. Eleanor, Fair Maid of Brittany (b. 1184), daughter of John's brother Geoffrey, Duke of Brittany
7. Henry V, Count Palatine of the Rhine (b. 1173), son of John's sister Matilda, Duchess of Saxony
8. Irmengard of the Rhine (b. 1199), daughter of Henry V
9. Agnes of the Rhine (b. 1201), daughter of Henry V
10. Otto IV, Holy Roman Emperor (b. 1175), son of Matilda

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Henry III.

[edit] Henry III

On the day of Henry III's death, 16 November 1272, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Edward Longshanks (b. 1239), son of Henry III
2. Henry of England (b. 1268), son of Edward
3. Eleanor of England (b. 1269), daughter of Edward
4. Joan of Acre (b. 1272), daughter of Edward
5. Edmund Crouchback, 1st Earl of Lancaster (b. 1245), son of Henry III
6. Margaret of England (b. 1240), daughter of Henry III
7. Alexander of Scotland (b. 1264), son of Margaret
8. David of Scotland (b. 1272), son of Margaret
9. Margaret of Scotland (b. 1261), daughter of Margaret
10. Beatrice of England (b. 1242), daughter of Henry III

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Edward I.

[edit] Edward I

On the day of Edward I's death, 7 July 1307, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Edward, Prince of Wales (b. 1284), son of Edward I
2. Thomas of Brotherton (b. 1300), son of Edward I
3. Edmund of Woodstock (b. 1301), son of Edward I
4. Gilbert de Clare, 8th Earl of Hertford (b. 1291), son of Edward I's daughter Joan of Acre
5. Eleanor de Clare (b. 1292), daughter of Joan of Acre
6. Margaret de Clare (b. 1293), daughter of Joan of Acre
7. Elizabeth de Clare (b. 1295), daughter of Joan of Acre
8. Margaret Plantagenet (b. 1275), daughter of Edward I
9. John of Brabant (b. 1300), son of Margaret Plantagenet
10. Mary Plantagenet (b. 1279), daughter of Edward I

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Edward II.

[edit] Edward II

On the day of Edward II's abdication, 24 January 1327, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Edward of Windsor (b. 1312), son of Edward II
2. John of Eltham, Earl of Cornwall (b. 1316), son of Edward II
3. Eleanor of Woodstock (b. 1318), daughter of Edward II
4. Joan, Queen of Scots (b. 1321), daughter of Edward II
5. Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk (b. 1300), brother of Edward II
6. Edward of Norfolk (b. circa 1320), son of Thomas
7. Margaret, Duchess of Norfolk (b. circa 1320), daughter of Thomas
8. Alice of Norfolk (b. 1324), daughter of Thomas
9. Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent (b. 1301), brother of Edward II
10. Edmund Plantagenet, 2nd Earl of Kent (b. 1326), son of Edmund

Upon his abdication, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Edward III.

[edit] Edward III

On the day of Edward III's death, 21 June 1377, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Richard of Bordeaux (b. 1367), son of Edward III's son Edward, the Black Prince
2. Philippa Plantagenet (b. 1355), daughter of Edward III's son Lionel of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence
3. John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster (b. 1340), son of Edward III
4. Henry Bolingbroke (b. 1366), son of John
5. Philippa of Lancaster (b. 1360), daughter of John
6. Elizabeth of Lancaster (b. 1364), daughter of John
7. Katherine of Lancaster (b. 1372), daughter of John
8. Edmund of Langley, 1st Duke of York (b. 1341), son of Edward III
9. Edward of Norwich (b. 1373), son of Edmund
10. Richard of Conisburgh (b. 1375), son of Edmund

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Richard II.

[edit] Richard II

On the day of Richard II's abdication, 29 September 1399, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Edmund Mortimer, 5th Earl of March (b. 1391), son of Roger Mortimer, 4th Earl of March and great-great-grandson of Edward III through Philippa Plantagenet
2. Roger Mortimer (b. 1395), son of Roger
3. Anne de Mortimer (b. 1388), daughter of Roger
4. Eleanor de Mortimer (b. 1395), daughter of Roger
5. Edmund Mortimer (b. 1376), brother of Roger and great-grandson of Edward III
6. Elizabeth Mortimer (b. 1371), sister of Roger and great-granddaughter of Edward III
7. Henry Percy, 2nd Earl of Northumberland (b. 1392/1393), son of Elizabeth
8. Elizabeth Percy (b. circa 1393), daughter of Elizabeth
9. Philippa Mortimer (b. 1301), sister of Roger and great-granddaughter of Edward III
10. Henry Bolingbroke (b. 1366), son of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and grandson of Edward III

However, upon Richard's abdication the throne was taken by Henry Bolingbroke as Henry IV, despite only being 10th in line to the throne.

[edit] Henry IV

On the day of Henry IV's death, 20 March 1413, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Henry of Monmouth, Prince of Wales (b. 1387), son of Henry IV
2. Thomas, Duke of Clarence (b. 1388), son of Henry IV
3. John, Duke of Bedford (b. 1389), son of Henry IV
4. Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester (b. 1390), son of Henry IV
5. Rupprecht von der Pfalz, House of Wittelsbach (b. 1409), son of Blanche of England and grandson of Henry IV
6. Philippa of England (b. 1394), daughter of Henry IV
7. Philippa of Lancaster (b. 1360), sister of Henry IV
8. Edward of Portugal (b. 1391), son of Philippa of Lancaster
9. Peter, Duke of Coimbra (b. 1392), son of Philippa of Lancaster
10. Henry the Navigator (b. 1394), son of Philippa of Lancaster

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Henry V.

[edit] Henry V

On the day of Henry V's death, 31 August 1422, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Henry, Duke of Cornwall (b. 1421), son of Henry V
2. John, Duke of Bedford (b. 1389), brother of Henry V
3. Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester (b. 1390), brother of Henry V
4. Rupprecht von der Pfalz, House of Wittelsbach (b. 1409), son of Henry V's sister Blanche of England
5. Philippa of England (b. 1394), sister of Henry V
6. Edward of Portugal (b. 1391), son of Henry V's aunt Philippa of Lancaster^[1]
7. Peter, Duke of Coimbra (b. 1392), son of Henry V's aunt Philippa of Lancaster
8. Henry, Duke of Viseu (b. 1394), son of Henry V's aunt Philippa of Lancaster
9. Infante João of Portugal (b. 1400), son of Henry V's aunt Philippa of Lancaster
10. Fernando, the Saint Prince (b. 1402), son of Henry V's aunt Philippa of Lancaster

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Henry VI.

[edit] Henry VI (first instance)

On the day of Henry VI's first deposition, 4 March 1461, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales (b. 1453), son of Henry VI
2. Afonso V of Portugal (b. 1432), son of Edward of Portugal and grandson of Henry VI’s great-aunt Philippa of Lancaster
3. Prince João of Portugal (b. 1455), son of Afonso
4. Princess Joana of Portugal (b. 1452), daughter of Afonso
5. Infante Fernando, Duke of Viseu (b. 1433), son of Edward of Portugal and grandson of Henry VI’s great-aunt Philippa of Lancaster
6. Infante João of Viseu (b. 1448), son of Fernando
7. Infante Diogo of Viseu (b. 1460), son of Fernando
8. Leonor of Viseu (b. 1458), daughter of Fernando
9. Infanta Isabel of Viseu (b. 1459), daughter of Fernando
10. Eleanor of Portugal, Holy Roman Empress (b. 1434), daughter of Edward of Portugal and granddaughter of Henry VI’s great-aunt Philippa of Lancaster

However, during the Wars of the Roses, Henry VI was forcibly deposed by his third cousin twice removed, Edward, Earl of March, who became Edward IV.

[edit] Edward IV (first instance)

On the day of Edward IV's deposition, 3 October 1470, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Elizabeth of York (b. 1466), daughter of Edward IV
2. Mary of York (b. 1467), daughter of Edward IV
3. Cecily of York (b. 1469), daughter of Edward IV
4. George, Duke of Clarence (b. 1449), brother of Edward IV
5. Richard of York (b. 1452), brother of Edward IV
6. Anne of York, Duchess of Exeter (b. 1439), sister of Edward IV
7. Anne Holland (b. circa 1455), daughter of Anne
8. Elizabeth of York, Duchess of Suffolk (b. 1444), sister of Edward IV
9. John de la Pole, 1st Earl of Lincoln (b. circa 1462), son of Elizabeth
10. Edward de la Pole (b. 1466), son of Elizabeth

However, the throne was restored to Henry VI, the previous monarch, during the period known as the Readeption of Henry VI.

[edit] Henry VI (second instance)

On the day of Henry VI's second deposition, 11 April 1471, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales (b. 1453), son of Henry VI
2. Afonso V of Portugal (b. 1432), son of Edward of Portugal and grandson of Henry VI’s great-aunt Philippa of Lancaster
3. Prince João of Portugal (b. 1455), son of Afonso
4. Princess Joana of Portugal (b. 1452), daughter of Afonso
5. Infante João of Viseu (b. 1448), son of Infante Fernando, Duke of Viseu and grandson of Edward of Portugal
6. Infante Diogo of Viseu (b. 1460), son of Fernando
7. Infante Manuel of Viseu (b. 1469), son of Fernando
8. Leonor of Viseu (b. 1458), daughter of Fernando
9. Infanta Isabel of Viseu (b. 1459), daughter of Fernando
10. Joana of Portugal (b. 1439), daughter of Edward of Portugal and granddaughter of Henry VI’s great-aunt Philippa of Lancaster

However, the English nobility again became frustrated with Henry’s inability to rule competently, and reinstalled Edward IV as King after less than a year.

[edit] Edward IV (second instance)

On the day of Edward IV's death, 9 April 1483, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Edward, Prince of Wales (b. 1470), son of Edward IV
2. Richard of Shrewsbury, 1st Duke of York (b. 1473), son of Edward IV
3. Elizabeth of York (b. 1466), daughter of Edward IV
4. Mary of York (b. 1467), daughter of Edward IV
5. Cecily of York (b. 1469), daughter of Edward IV
6. Anne of York (b. 1475), daughter of Edward IV
7. Catherine of York (b. 1479), daughter of Edward IV
8. Bridget of York (b. 1480), daughter of Edward IV
9. Edward Plantagenet, 17th Earl of Warwick (b. 1475), son of George, Duke of Clarence and nephew of Edward IV
10. Margaret Pole, 8th Countess of Salisbury (b. 1473), daughter of George, Duke of Clarence

Upon his death, the throne passed to the first person in line, who became Edward V.

[edit] Edward V

On the day of Edward V's deposition, 25 June 1483, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Richard of Shrewsbury, 1st Duke of York (b. 1473), brother of Edward V
2. Elizabeth of York (b. 1466), sister of Edward V
3. Cecily of York (b. 1469), sister of Edward V
4. Anne of York (b. 1475), sister of Edward V
5. Catherine of York (b. 1479), sister of Edward V
6. Bridget of York (b. 1480), sister of Edward V
7. Edward Plantagenet, 17th Earl of Warwick (b. 1475), son of George, Duke of Clarence and cousin of Edward V
8. Margaret Pole, 8th Countess of Salisbury (b. 1473), daughter of George, Duke of Clarence
9. Richard, Duke of Gloucester (b. 1467), uncle of Edward V
10. Edward Plantagenet (b. 1470), son of Richard

However, the throne was usurped by Edward V’s uncle, Richard, who claimed that Edward V (and all his siblings) were illegitimate and therefore could not ascend the throne.

[edit] Richard III

On the day of Richard III's death, 22 August 1485, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture);

1. Edward Plantagenet, 17th Earl of Warwick (b. 1475), son of George, Duke of Clarence and nephew of Richard III
2. Margaret Pole, 8th Countess of Salisbury (b. 1473), daughter of George, Duke of Clarence
3. Elizabeth of York, Duchess of Suffolk (b. 1444), sister of Richard III
4. John de la Pole, 1st Earl of Lincoln (b. circa 1462), son of Elizabeth
5. Edward de la Pole (b. 1466), son of Elizabeth
6. Edmund de la Pole (b. 1471), son of Elizabeth
7. Humphrey de la Pole (b. 1474), son of Elizabeth
8. William de la Pole (b. 1478), son of Elizabeth
9. Richard de la Pole (b. 1480), son of Elizabeth
10. Elizabeth de la Pole (b. 1468), daughter of Elizabeth

• This line follows the assertion made by Richard III that all the children of Edward IV were illegitimate and therefore had no claim to the throne.

However, at the Battle of Bosworth Field, Richard was defeated and succeeded to the throne of England by Henry Tudor, 2nd Earl of Richmond, an illegitimate descendant of John of Gaunt who had previously been excluded from the line of succession.

[edit] Henry VII

On the day of Henry VII's death, 21 April 1509, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (following primogeniture, recursively through the King's Mother):

1. Henry, Prince of Wales (b. 1491), eldest living (second adult) son of Henry VII
2. Margaret, Queen of Scots (b. 1489), eldest living daughter of Henry VII
3. Mary Tudor (b. 1496), second daughter of Henry VII
4. Margaret, Countess of Derby (b. 1443), Henry VII's mother, through whom his claim was derived, and who would technically be before him
5. Lady Carey (Margaret; b. 1472), Henry's second cousin, from their great-grandfather John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset
6. John Carey (b. 1491), her first son
7. William Carey (b. 1495), her second son
8. Edward Carey (b. 1498), her third son
9. Anne Carey (b. 1493), her first daughter
10. Margaret Carey (b. 1496), her second daughter

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Henry VIII.

[edit] Henry VIII

Main article: Line of succession to Henry VIII

On the day of Henry VIII's death, 28 January 1547, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (assuming regular male-preference primogeniture (as is in place today), and assuming that each of his marriages was considered legitimate):

1. Edward, Prince of Wales (b. 1537), only son of Henry VIII
2. Princess Mary (b. 1516), first daughter of Henry VIII
3. Princess Elizabeth (b. 1533), second daughter of Henry VIII

   Descendants of Henry's elder sister Margaret, Queen of Scots were excluded by Henry's Will:

   • Mary, Queen of Scots (b. 1542), her granddaughter through James V of Scotland
   • Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox (b. 1515), Margaret's daughter by Lord Angus
   • Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley (b. 1545), Lady Lennox's son

4. Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk (b. 1517), daughter of Henry's sister Mary
5. Lady Jane Grey (b. 1536/7), Frances' eldest daughter (later briefly queen regnant)
6. Lady Catherine Grey (b. 1540), Frances' second daughter
7. Lady Mary Grey (b. 1545), Frances' third daughter
8. Eleanor Clifford, Countess of Cumberland (b. 1519), Frances' sister
9. Lady Margaret Clifford (b. 1540), Lady Cumberland's daughter
10. Sir John Carey of Pleshey (b. 1491), Henry's third cousin, from their great-great-grandfather John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Edward VI.

[edit] Edward VI

On the day of Edward VI's death, 6 July 1553, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows (according to Lord Northumberland's Device):

Henry VIII's two daughters were excluded by Northumberland's Device:

• Princess Mary (b. 1516), first daughter of Henry VIII
• Princess Elizabeth (b. 1533), second daughter of Henry VIII

Descendants of Henry's elder sister Margaret, Queen of Scots were excluded by Henry's Will:

• Mary, Queen of Scots (b. 1542), her granddaughter through James V of Scotland
• Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox (b. 1515), Margaret's daughter by Lord Angus
• Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley (b. 1545), Lady Lennox's son

Northumberland persuaded Jane's mother to renounce her succession right:

• Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk (b. 1517), daughter of Henry's sister Mary

1. Lady Jane Dudley (b. 1536/7), Frances' eldest daughter
2. Lady Catherine Grey (b. 1540), Frances' second daughter
3. Lady Mary Grey (b. 1545), Frances' third daughter
4. Lady Margaret Clifford (b. 1540), daughter of Frances' sister
5. Wymond Carey (b. 1538), Edward's fourth cousin, from their great-great-great-grandfather John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset
6. Edward Carey (b. c 1540), Wymond's brother
7. Henry Carey (b. 1526), their first cousin
8. George Carey (b. 1547), his first son
9. Lady Knollys (Catherine; b. c. 1524), Henry Carey's sister
10. Henry Knollys (b. c. 1542), Lady Knollys' first son

Upon his death, the throne passed to the first person in line, who was proclaimed Queen Jane. Within days, Princess Mary reclaimed the throne as Mary I, as heir according to her father's third act.

[edit] Mary I

On the day of Mary I's death, 17 November 1558, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows:

1. Princess Elizabeth (b. 1533), the Queen's sister

   Beyond Elizabeth, there were the lines of her father's two sisters:

   Descendants of Henry the VIII's elder sister, Margaret, Queen of Scots, were excluded by Henry's Will:

   • Mary, Queen of Scots (b. 1542), her granddaughter through James V of Scotland
   • Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox (b. 1515), Margaret's daughter by Lord Angus
   • Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley (b. 1545), Lady Lennox's son

   Descendants of Henry the VIII's younger sister, Queen Mary, Duchess of Suffolk, were junior in terms of primogeniture, and did not have the advantage of already holding another crown in the Isles:

   • Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk (b. 1517), daughter of Henry's sister Mary, but who had renounced her succession right

2. Catherine, Countess of Pembroke (b. 1540), Frances' second daughter
3. Lady Mary Grey (b. 1545), Frances' third daughter
4. Lady Margaret Clifford (b. 1540), daughter of Frances' sister
5. Wymond Carey (b. 1538), Mary I's fourth cousin, from their great-great-great-grandfather John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset
6. Edward Carey (b. c 1540), Wymond's brother
7. Henry Carey (b. 1526), their first cousin

Upon her death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Elizabeth I.

[edit] Elizabeth I

On the day of Elizabeth I's death, 24 March 1603, the line of succession to the English throne was as follows:

Elizabeth's potential heirs were from the lines of her father's two sisters:

Descendants of Henry the VIII's elder sister, Margaret, Queen of Scots, were excluded by Henry's Will:

• James VI of Scotland (b. 1566), her great-grandson through Mary, Queen of Scots
• Prince Henry Frederick, Duke of Rothesay (b. 1594), his first son
• Prince Charles, Duke of Albany (b. 1600), his second son
• Princess Elizabeth (b. 1596), his daughter
• Lady Arbella Stuart (b. 1575), great-granddaughter of Margaret Tudor, through Margaret Douglas and Charles Stuart, Earl of Lennox

Descendants of Henry the VIII's younger sister, Queen Mary, Duchess of Suffolk, were junior in terms of primogeniture, and did not have the advantage of already holding another crown in the Isles. These were descendants through Lady Catherine Grey, Mary's granddaughter, and were not considered legitimate at the time:

• Edward Seymour, Lord Beauchamp (b. 1561), great-grandson of Mary Tudor
• The Hon Edward Seymour (b. 1586), Lord Beauchamp's first son
• The Hon William Seymour (b. 1588), Lord Beauchamp's second son
• The Hon Francis Seymour (b. c. 1590), Lord Beauchamp's third son
• The Hon Honora Seymour (b. b. 1594), Lord Beauchamp's first daughter
• The Hon Anne Seymour, Lord Beauchamp's second daughter
• The Hon Mary Seymour, Lord Beauchamp's third daughter
• The Hon Thomas Seymour (b. 1563), Lord Beauchamp's younger brother

1. Lady Anne Stanley (b. 1580), great-great-granddaughter of Mary Tudor
2. Lady Frances Egerton (b. 1583), Lady Anne's sister
3. Elizabeth, Viscountess Hastings (b. 1587), Lady Anne's sister
4. The Rt Hon The Earl of Derby (William Stanley; b. 1561), Lady Anne's uncle
5. Sir Wymond Carey (b. 1538), Elizabeth I's fourth cousin, from their great-great-great-grandfather John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset
6. Sir Edward Carey (b. c. 1540), Sir Wymond's brother
7. Adolphus Carey, Sir Edward's son
8. Sir Philip Carey, Sir Edward's son
9. Henry Carey, Sir Edward's son
10. Catherine, Lady Longueville, Sir Edward's daughter

Upon her death, the throne passed to the first person in the senior line (despite Henry VIII's Will), who became James I of England (as well as VI of Scotland).

[edit] James I

Main article: Line of succession to James I

On the day of James I's death, 27th March, 1625, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows:

1. Charles, Prince of Wales (b. 1600) James I's son
2. Elizabeth of Bohemia (b. 1596) James I's daughter
3. Prince Frederick Henry von der Pfalz (b. 1614) Elizabeth's first son
4. Prince Charles Louis von der Pfalz (b. 1617) Elizabeth's second son
5. Prince Rupert von der Pfalz (b. 1619) Elizabeth's third son
6. Prince Maurice von der Pfalz (b. 1620) Elizabeth's fourth son
7. Princess Elisabeth von der Pfalz (b. 1618) Elizabeth's first daughter
8. Princeess Louise Hollandine von der Pfalz (b. 1622) Elizabeth's second daughter
9. William Douglas, 1st Marquess of Douglas (b. 1589) James I's 7th cousin 3 times removed via 6th great grandfather James I of Scotland's daughter Joan of Scotland, Countess of Morton
10. James Douglas, 1st Lord Mordington (b. 1591) William Douglas's brother

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became King Charles

[edit] Charles I

On the day of Charles I's death, 30th January, 1649, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows:

1. Charles, Prince of Wales (b. 1630) Charles I's 1st son
2. Prince James, Duke of York (b. 1633) Charles I's 2nd son
3. Prince Henry (b. 1639) Charles I's 3rd son
4. Mary, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange (b. 1631) Charles I's 1st daughter
5. Princess Elizabeth of England (b. 1635) Charles I's 2nd daughter
6. Princess Henrietta Anne of England (b. 1644) Charles I's 3rd daughter
7. Elizabeth of Bohemia (b. 1596) Charles I's sister
8. Charles I Louis, Elector Palatine (b. 1617) Elizabeth of Bohemia's 2nd son
9. Prince Rupert of the Rhine (b. 1619) Elizabeth of Bohemia's 3rd son
10. Prince Maurice von Simmern (b. 1620) Elizabeth of Bohemia's 4th son

Upon his death, the monarchy was abolished and Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector. He was succeeded by his son Richard Cromwell, and after that the monarchy was reinstated and the next in line became King Charles II

[edit] Charles II

On the day of Charles II death, 6th February, 1685, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows:

1. Prince James, Duke of York, (b. 1633) Charles II's brother
2. Princess Mary of Orange, (b. 1662) Prince James's 1st daughter
3. Princess Anne of Denmark and Norway, (b. 1665) Prince James's 2nd daughter
4. Prince William of Orange, (b. 1650) Charles II's nephew via Mary, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange
5. Maria Luisa of Orléans (b. 1662) Charles II's niece via Henrietta Anne Stuart
6. Anne Marie of Orléans (b. 1669) Maria Luisa's sister
7. Charles II, Elector Palatine (b. 1651) Charles II's cousin once removed via aunt Elizabeth of Bohemia
8. Louise Marie von Simmern (b. 1647) Charles II's cousin once removed via aunt Elizabeth of Bohemia
9. Louis Otto, Prince of Salm (b. 1674) Louise Marie's son
10. Anne Henriette von Simmern (b. 1648) Louise Marie's sister

On his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first in line, who became King James II

[edit] James II

On the day that James II fled the country, 11th December, 1688, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows:

1. James, Prince of Wales (b. 1688) James II's son
2. Princess Mary of Orange (b. 1662) James II's 1st daughter
3. Princess Anne of Denmark and Norway (b. 1665) James II's 2nd daughter
4. William, Prince of Orange (b. 1650) James II's nephew via sister Mary, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange
5. Maria Luisa of Orléans (b. 1662) James II's niece via sister Henrietta Anne Stuart
6. Anne Marie of Orléans (b. 1669) Maria Luisa's sister
7. Princess Marie-Adélaïde of Savoy (b. 1685) Anne Marie's 1st daughter
8. Princess Marie Anne of Orléans (b. 1669) Anne Marie's 2nd daughter
9. Maria Luisa of Savoy (b. 1688) Anne Marie's 3rd daughter
10. Karl Eduard von der Pfalz (b. 1668) James II's 3rd cousin once removed via aunt Elizabeth of Bohemia

When he fled, the first in line was overturned due to his Catholicism and the second in line became Queen Mary II, and she ruled with her husband, the fourth in line, who became William III.

[edit] William III & Mary II

On the day of Mary II's death, 28th December, 1694, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows.

Whichever of the monarchs died first, the other would take the throne. In this case, Mary II died first, and William III became sole remaining monarch.

Due to this, there is a different line of succession depending upon who died first. However, due to William having no heir and no siblings, the line stays the same, passing through Mary's sister Anne.

1. Princess Anne of Denmark (b. 1665) Mary II's sister
2. Prince William of Denmark and Norway, Duke of Gloucester (b. 1689) Anne's only surviving child

This is the extent of the line as detailed by the Bill of Rights of 1688.

Upon Mary II's death, the throne passed smoothly to the first in line, who stayed as William III.

[edit] William III

On the day of William III's death, 8 March 1702, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows, as provided by the Act of Settlement 1701:

1. HRH Princess Anne, Princess George of Denmark (b. 1665), sister of the king's late wife
2. HMSH Princess Sophia, Electress of Hanover (b. 1630), Anne's first cousin once removed
3. HMSH Prince George Louis, Elector of Hanover (b. 1660), first son of Electress Sophia
4. HSH Prince George Augustus, Electoral Prince of Hanover (b. 1683), son of the Elector of Hanover
5. HSH Princess Sophia Dorothea of Hanover (b. 1687), daughter of the Elector
6. HSH Prince Maximilian William of Hanover (b. 1666), second son of Electress Sophia
7. HSH Prince Christian Henry of Hanover (b. 1671), third son of Electress Sophia
8. HSH Prince Ernest Augustus of Hanover (b. 1674), fourth son of Electress Sophia
9. HM Sophia, Queen in Prussia (b. 1668), daughter of Electress Sophia
10. HRH Frederick William, Crown Prince of Prussia (b. 1688), son of Queen Sophia Charlotte

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Queen Anne

[edit] Anne

On the day of Anne's death, 1 August 1714, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows, as provided by the Act of Settlement 1701:

1. HMSH Prince George Louis, Elector of Hanover (b. 1660), second cousin of the Queen
2. HSH Prince George Augustus, Electoral Prince of Hanover, Duke of Cambridge (b. 1683), son of the Elector of Hanover
3. HSH Prince Frederick Louis of Hanover (b. 1707), son of the Electoral Prince
4. HSH Princess Anne of Hanover (b. 1709), first daughter of the Electoral Prince
5. HSH Princess Amelia Sophia of Hanover (b. 1711), second daughter of the Electoral Prince
6. HSH Princess Caroline Elizabeth of Hanover (b. 1713), third daughter of the Electoral Prince
7. HM Sophia, Queen in Prussia (b. 1687), daughter of the Elector
8. HRH Prince Frederick, Crown Prince in Prussia (b. 1712), son of Queen Sophia
9. HRH Princess Wilhelmine of Prussia (b. 1709), daughter of Queen Sophia

Upon her death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became George I

[edit] George I

On the day of George I's death, 11 June 1727, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows:

1. HRH The Prince George, Prince of Wales (b. 1683), son of George I
2. HRH Prince Frederick, Duke of Edinburgh (b. 1707), eldest son of the Prince of Wales
3. HRH Prince William, Duke of Cumberland (b. 1721), second son of the Prince of Wales
4. HRH Princess Anne of Wales (b. 1709), first daughter of the Prince of Wales
5. HRH Princess Amelia Sophia of Wales (b. 1711), second daughter of the Prince of Wales
6. HRH Princess Caroline Elizabeth of Wales (b. 1713), third daughter of the Prince of Wales
7. HRH Princess Mary of Wales (b. 1723), fourth daughter of the Prince of Wales
8. HRH Princess Louise of Wales (b. 1724), fifth daughter of the Prince of Wales
9. HM Sophia, Queen in Prussia (b. 1687), daughter of George I
10. HRH Prince Frederick, Crown Prince in Prussia (b. 1712), first son of Queen Sophia

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became George II

[edit] George II

On the day of George II's death, 25 October 1760, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows:

1. HRH Prince George, Prince of Wales (b. 1738), eldest son of the king's deceased eldest son, Prince Frederick
2. HRH Prince Edward Augustus, Duke of York and Albany (b. 1739), Frederick's second son
3. HRH Prince William Henry of Wales (b. 1743), Frederick's third son
4. HRH Prince Henry Frederick of Wales (b. 1745), Frederick's fourth son
5. HRH Prince Frederick William of Wales (b. 1750), Frederick's fifth son
6. HRH Princess Augusta Frederica of Wales (b. 1737), Frederick's first daughter
7. HRH Princess Louisa Anne of Wales (b. 1749), Frederick's third daughter
8. HRH Princess Caroline Matilda of Wales (b. 1751), Frederick's fourth daughter
9. HRH The Prince William, Duke of Cumberland (b. 1721), second son of George II
10. HH William V, The Prince of Orange (b. 1748), son of George's first daughter Anne, Princess Royal

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became George III

[edit] George III

On the day of George III's death, 29 January 1820, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows:

1. HRH The Prince George, Prince Regent (b. 1762), the king's eldest, and regent for nine years
2. HRH The Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany (b. 1763), the king's second son
3. HRH The Prince William, Duke of Clarence (b. 1765), the king's third son
4. HRH Princess Victoria of Kent (b. 1819), George III's granddaughter by his fourth son the Duke of Kent
5. HRH The Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale (b. 1771), the king's fifth son
6. HRH Prince George of Cumberland (b. 1819), son of the Duke of Cumberland
7. HRH Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex (b. 1773), the king's sixth son
8. HRH The Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge (b. 1774), the king's seventh son
9. HRH Prince George of Cambridge (b. 1819), son of the Duke of Cambridge
10. HM Queen Charlotte of Württemberg (Princess Royal) (b. 1766), the king's eldest daughter

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became George IV

[edit] George IV

On the day of George IV's death, 26 June 1830, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows;

1. HRH The Prince William, Duke of Clarence (b. 1765), brother of George IV
2. HRH Princess Victoria of Kent (b. 1819), daughter of George IV's brother the Duke of Kent
3. HRH The Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale (b. 1771), brother of William IV
4. HRH Prince George of Cumberland (b. 1819), son of the Duke of Cumberland
5. HRH Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex (b. 1773), brother of William IV
6. HRH The Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge (b. 1774), brother of William IV
7. HRH Prince George of Cambridge (b. 1819), son of the Duke of Cambridge
8. HRH Princess Augusta of Cambridge (b. 1822), daughter of the Duke of Cambridge
9. HRH The Princess Augusta Sophia (b. 1768), sister of George IV
10. HRH The Princess Elizabeth, Landgravine of Hesse-Hornburg (b. 1770), sister of George IV

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became William IV, by the end of whose seven-year reign, the only change in the succession would be the birth of Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge.

[edit] William IV

On the day of William IV's death, 20 June 1837, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows;

1. HRH Princess Victoria of Kent (b. 1819), daughter of William IV's brother the Duke of Kent
2. HRH The Prince Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland and Teviotdale (b. 1771), brother of William IV
3. HRH Prince George of Cumberland (b. 1819), son of the Duke of Cumberland
4. HRH Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex (b. 1773), brother of William IV
5. HRH The Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge (b. 1774), brother of William IV
6. HRH Prince George of Cambridge (b. 1819), son of the Duke of Cambridge
7. HRH Princess Augusta of Cambridge (b. 1822), daughter of the Duke of Cambridge
8. HRH Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge (b. 1833), daughter of the Duke of Cambridge
9. HRH The Princess Augusta Sophia (b. 1768), sister of William IV
10. HRH The Princess Elizabeth, Landgravine of Hesse-Hornburg (b. 1770), sister of William IV

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Queen Victoria.

[edit] Victoria

On the day of Victoria's death, 22 January 1901, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows;

1. HRH The Prince Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (b. 1841), son of Queen Victoria
2. HRH The Prince George, Duke of York (b. 1865), son of the Prince Wales
3. HRH Prince Edward of York (b. 1894), son of the Duke of York
4. HRH Prince Albert of York (b. 1895), son of the Duke of York
5. HRH Prince Henry of York (b. 1900), son of the Duke of York
6. HRH Princess Mary of York (b. 1897), daughter of the Duke of York
7. HRH Princess Louise, Duchess of Fife (b. 1867), daughter of the Prince of Wales
8. The Lady Alexandra Duff (b. 1891), daughter of Princess Louise
9. The Lady Maud Duff (b. 1893), daughter of Princess Louise
10. HRH Princess Victoria of Wales (b. 1868), daughter of the Prince of Wales

Upon her death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Edward VII.

[edit] Edward VII

On the day of Edward VII's death, 6 May 1910, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows;

1. HRH The Prince George, Prince of Wales (b. 1865), son of Edward VII
2. HRH Prince Edward of Wales (b. 1894), son of Prince George
3. HRH Prince Albert of Wales (b. 1895), son of Prince George
4. HRH Prince Henry of Wales (b. 1900), son of Prince George
5. HRH Prince George of Wales (b. 1902), son of Prince George
6. HRH Prince John of Wales (b. 1905), son of Prince George
7. HRH Princess Mary of Wales (b. 1897), daughter of Prince George
8. HRH The Princess Louise, Princess Royal (b. 1867), daughter of Edward VII
9. HH Princess Alexandra of Fife (b. 1891), daughter of Princess Louise
10. HH Princess Maud of Fife (b. 1893), daughter of Princess Louise

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became George V.

[edit] George V

On the day of George V's death, 20 January 1936, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows;

1. HRH The Prince Edward, Prince of Wales (b. 1894), son of George V
2. HRH The Prince Albert, Duke of York (b. 1895), son of George V
3. HRH Princess Elizabeth of York (b. 1926), daughter of the Duke of York
4. HRH Princess Margaret of York (b. 1930), daughter of the Duke of York
5. HRH The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (b. 1900), son of George V
6. HRH The Prince George, Duke of Kent (b. 1902), son of George V
7. HRH Prince Edward of Kent (b. 1935), son of the Duke of Kent
8. HRH The Princess Mary, Princess Royal (b. 1897), daughter of George V
9. George Lascelles, Viscount Lascelles (b. 1923), son of the Princess Royal
10. The Hon. Gerald Lascelles (b. 1924), son of the Princess Royal

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Edward VIII.

[edit] Edward VIII

On the day of Edward VIII's abdication, 11 December 1936, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows;

1. HRH The Prince Albert, Duke of York (b. 1895), brother of Edward VIII
2. HRH Princess Elizabeth of York (b. 1926), daughter of the Duke of York
3. HRH Princess Margaret of York (b. 1930), daughter of the Duke of York
4. HRH The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (b. 1900), brother of Edward VIII
5. HRH The Prince George, Duke of Kent (b. 1902), brother of Edward VIII
6. HRH Prince Edward of Kent (b. 1935), son of the Duke of Kent
7. HRH The Princess Mary, Princess Royal (b. 1897), sister of Edward VIII
8. George Lascelles, Viscount Lascelles (b. 1923), son of the Princess Royal
9. The Hon. Gerald Lascelles (b. 1924), son of the Princess Royal
10. HRH Princess Arthur of Connaught (Duchess of Fife) (b. 1891), daughter of Edward VIII's aunt, Louise, Princess Royal

Upon his abdication, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became George VI.

[edit] George VI

On the day of George VI's death, 6 February 1952, the line of succession to the British throne was as follows;

1. HRH The Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh (b. 1926), daughter of George VI
2. HRH Prince Charles of Edinburgh (b. 1948), son of Princess Elizabeth
3. HRH Princess Anne of Edinburgh (b. 1950), daughter of Princess Elizabeth
4. HRH The Princess Margaret (b. 1930), daughter of George VI

   skipped HRH The Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor (b. 1894) (abdicated), brother of George VI

5. HRH The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (b. 1900), brother of George VI
6. HRH Prince William of Gloucester (b. 1941), son of the Duke of Gloucester
7. HRH Prince Richard of Gloucester (b. 1944), son of the Duke of Gloucester
8. HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Kent (b. 1935), son of George VI's brother, the 1st Duke of Kent
9. HRH Prince Michael of Kent (b. 1942), brother of the Duke of Kent
10. HRH Princess Alexandra of Kent (b. 1936), sister of the Duke of Kent.

Upon his death, the throne passed smoothly to the first person in line, who became Elizabeth II.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Line of succession to the British Throne
• List of heirs to the English and British thrones