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27/03/2009
Brown Discusses Royal Reform
Rules restricting the crowned head of the United Kingdom marrying a Roman Catholic could eventually be overturned, it was reported today.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also approached Buckingham Palace regarding a possible change to succession rights, which would give female royals equality with their male family members.
Under the Act of Settlement, any royal who marries a Roman Catholic must renounce their claim to the throne, including the Monarch.
The law dates back over 300 years, at a time when there was widespread hostility towards catholicism in England.
According to the act, no royal can be crowed king or queen if they "profess the popish religion or shall marry a papist".
Mr Brown said a change to law is needed but will prove complicated, as it must be approved by all Commonwealth countries, of which there are 53.
"In the 21st century, people do expect discrimination to be removed," he told the BBC.
Head of the English and Welsh catholic church, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, called for a change in the law, which he described as "anachronistic and discriminatory".
However, the cardinal insisted an amendment was not a top priority for the church.
The complex issue of succession could also be rearranged.
Currently a female heir is automatically pushed down the line upon the birth of a male sibling.
The most recent example occurred when the Earl of Wessex produced a son. Baby James, Viscount Severn, automatically jumped ahead of his elder sister Lady Louise, who was eighth in line to the throne.
If the succession rules were altered there would be a dramatic change in the current line to the throne.
Princess Anne, the Queen's only daughter, would move up from tenth in-line to fourth in-line, directly behind Prince Harry of Wales - a position currently held by the Duke of York, the princess's younger brother.
Anne's commoner children would then follow behind their mother, skipping ahead of their titled cousins Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and James and Louise.
Despite a Private Members Motion being heard in Parliament today, government sources say a "slowly, very slowly" approach will be taken when dealing with the issues.
(PR/JM)
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also approached Buckingham Palace regarding a possible change to succession rights, which would give female royals equality with their male family members.
Under the Act of Settlement, any royal who marries a Roman Catholic must renounce their claim to the throne, including the Monarch.
The law dates back over 300 years, at a time when there was widespread hostility towards catholicism in England.
According to the act, no royal can be crowed king or queen if they "profess the popish religion or shall marry a papist".
Mr Brown said a change to law is needed but will prove complicated, as it must be approved by all Commonwealth countries, of which there are 53.
"In the 21st century, people do expect discrimination to be removed," he told the BBC.
Head of the English and Welsh catholic church, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, called for a change in the law, which he described as "anachronistic and discriminatory".
However, the cardinal insisted an amendment was not a top priority for the church.
The complex issue of succession could also be rearranged.
Currently a female heir is automatically pushed down the line upon the birth of a male sibling.
The most recent example occurred when the Earl of Wessex produced a son. Baby James, Viscount Severn, automatically jumped ahead of his elder sister Lady Louise, who was eighth in line to the throne.
If the succession rules were altered there would be a dramatic change in the current line to the throne.
Princess Anne, the Queen's only daughter, would move up from tenth in-line to fourth in-line, directly behind Prince Harry of Wales - a position currently held by the Duke of York, the princess's younger brother.
Anne's commoner children would then follow behind their mother, skipping ahead of their titled cousins Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and James and Louise.
Despite a Private Members Motion being heard in Parliament today, government sources say a "slowly, very slowly" approach will be taken when dealing with the issues.
(PR/JM)
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13 December 2012
Succession To The Crown Bill Published
A new law has been published which will end discrimination against women in line for the British throne. Previously, male heirs were given precedence over women in line to the throne, regardless of age.
Succession To The Crown Bill Published
A new law has been published which will end discrimination against women in line for the British throne. Previously, male heirs were given precedence over women in line to the throne, regardless of age.
21 February 2008
Afghanistan Death Confirmed
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07 November 2003
Prince Charles dismisses 'entirely untrue' allegations
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Prince Charles dismisses 'entirely untrue' allegations
Prince Charles has issued a statement describing as "entirely untrue" allegations from a former royal aide that had been due to appear in last week's Mail on Sunday.
08 March 2005
Legal objections to Royal Wedding dismissed
The Royal Wedding between the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles will go ahead as planned after the Registrar General dismissed eleven legal objections. The reason for the objections was that the 1949 Marriage Act prohibited members of the Royal Family from marrying in a registrar office.
Legal objections to Royal Wedding dismissed
The Royal Wedding between the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles will go ahead as planned after the Registrar General dismissed eleven legal objections. The reason for the objections was that the 1949 Marriage Act prohibited members of the Royal Family from marrying in a registrar office.
06 June 2003
End of line for trains as Royal Mail drops rail
The Royal Mail has announced that it is the end of the line for the mail train as it unveiled plans to put in place a more efficient and flexible UK-wide distribution network by road and air.
End of line for trains as Royal Mail drops rail
The Royal Mail has announced that it is the end of the line for the mail train as it unveiled plans to put in place a more efficient and flexible UK-wide distribution network by road and air.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
