Today in London, UK, the country and those around the world mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She passed at the old age of 96.
The palace announced she died at her summer residence in Scotland. Members of the royal family rushed to the Balmoral Castle to be by her side in the last remaining moments of her life.
With her passing, her eldest son, Charles, Prince of Wales, is now the new British king. Prior to her passing, Elizabeth expressed her wishes that Charles’ wife Camilla be known as “Queen Consort” when Charles takes his place on the throne. Because Camilla is not a member of the royal family by blood, she has no claim to the throne if Charles were to pass away or step down. She did this to ensure a smooth transition in the timing of her death.
But if Charles were to pass, who is next in line for the throne? We will break down the royal order of succession for you. There are so many and it can get confusing.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge: first-born child of Charles and Princess Diana
Prince George: first-born child of William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Princess Charlotte: second-born child of William and Catherine
Prince Louis: third-born child of William and Catherine
Please note here that until a few years ago in 2013, Louis would have been ahead of Charlotte due to the fact that he was male alone. But in 2013, the Succession to the Crown Act passed and removed the preference rule for male siblings.
Keep in mind that it is unlikely anyone below this point on the list will take the throne. William and his three children, his grandchildren and other future children would have to pass away or give up the rights to their place on the throne before getting to the remainder of this list.
But we will continue nonetheless out of curiosity.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex: second-born child of Charles and Diana. He is still in line although he has stepped away from his royal duties in 2020.
Archie: first-born child of Harry and Meghan
Lilibet Diana: second-born child of Harry and Meghan
Prince Andrew, Duke of York: third child of Queen Elizabeth II
Princess Beatrice: first child of Prince Andrew
Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi: daughter of Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
Princess Eugenie: second child of Prince Andrew
August Philip: son of Princess Eugenie and husband, Jack Brooksbank
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex: fourth child of Queen Elizabeth II
James, Viscount Severn: second child of Prince Edward
Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor: first child of Prince Edward
Princess Anne, The Princess Royal: second child of Queen Elizabeth II
Peter Phillips: first child of Princess Anne
Savannah Phillips: first child of Peter and Autumn Phillips
Isla Phillips: second child of Peter and Autumn Phillips
Zara Tindall: second child of Princess Anne
Phew! Thanks for all the info from the Associated Press for helping to break this down.
Lastly, Godspeed to The Queen Elizabeth II, and a warm welcome to King Charles, with love from Denver.