Line of Succession

This is the current line of succession to the British throne. From Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the line is as follows, with the line stopping at the Queen’s eldest grandchildren:

HRH The Prince of Wales (Prince Charles)
HRH The Duke of Cambridge (Prince William)
HRH Prince George of Cambridge
HRH Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
HRH Prince Louis of Cambridge
HRH Prince Henry of Wales
HRH The Duke of York (Prince Andrew)
HRH Princess Beatrice of York
HRH Princess Eugenie of York
HRH The Earl of Wessex (Prince Edward)
James, Viscount Severn
Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor
HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne)
Mr. Peter Phillips
Mrs. Zara Tindall (Phillips)

(For more, see Debrett’s Guide)

Why is Prince Philip not King Philip?

The title of king outranks the title of queen. Therefore it would be incorrect for Philip to have the title of king. He cannot outrank his wife, Queen Elizabeth II. She was born a princess and became a direct heir to the throne after her father.

If a woman marries a king, she takes the title of Queen Consort. This is a queen by marriage. This is what HRH the Duchess of Cornwall will be when her husband, Prince Charles, becomes king.

Philip could be given the title Prince Consort, like Prince Albert. Currently Philip is a prince with a dukedom.

Load More