Since the longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2022, the world has been asking the question of who is next in line for the throne? Immediately after her passing, her eldest son, Charles, became the new King and his eldest son, Prince William became first in line to the throne.
The Royal order of succession
According to the Royal Family website, the line of succession is as follows:
1. William, Prince of Wales
5. The Duke of Sussex
6. Prince Archie of Sussex
7. Princess Lilibet of Sussex
8. The Duke of York
10. Sienna Mapelli Mozzi
11. Princess Eugenie
12. August Brooksbank
13. Ernest Brooksbank
15. Earl of Wessex
18. Peter Phillips
19. Savannah Phillips
20. Isla Phillips
21. Zara Tindall
22. Mia Tindall
23. Lena Tindall
24. Lucas Tindall
Who is the heir apparent to the throne?
There are many different names given to those in line to the throne including heir apparent which is a term used to describe the individual first in an order of succession who cannot be displaced from inheriting the throne by the birth of another person. For example, Prince William is the heir apparent as he is first in The Royal line of succession. No matter how the Royal family tree expands with more births, his position as heir will not change.
Is Prince Harry still in line for the throne?
Prince Harry is a perfect example of how your place in the Royal line of succession can be displaced by the birth of another person. For example, when he was born, he was third in line of succession to the British throne. However, when Prince George was born he dropped to fourth in line to the throne, then fifth after the birth of Princess Charlotte, then sixth following the birth of Prince Louis. When his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II passed away and his father, King Charles III became King, he moved back up to fifth in line to the throne.
What happens when the King dies?
At age 75, King Charles III is not expected to be on the throne as long as his mother who reigned for over 70 years, however, we're sure that the King will enjoy a very long life, just as his mother, who passed away aged 96 and his father, Prince Philip, who passed away aged 99 both did.
Following his recent and very sad cancer diagnosis however, many have doubted how long will Charles be King for and have questioned, if King Charles dies, who becomes King and Queen?
Just as Charles became King immediately after his mother passed away, William would become King as soon as his father died.
You may have heard the term, 'Operation London Bridge' when the Queen passed away which was the code used to communicate details of her funeral and death to key personnel. The plans for King Charles' death and funeral are referred to as 'Operation Menai Bridge' and names after a suspension bridge in Wales. You may be surprised to learn that the King's funeral plans began shortly after he became King and the plans are set to be very similar to those of Operation London Bridge when the Queen passed away.
What will William be called when King?
While it's not currently confirmed what William will be called when he ascends to the throne, it's very likely he'll become King William V. Traditionally, many monarchs of the past have chosen different names on their accession to the throne, for example, the Queen's father King George was actually named Albert Frederick Arthur George, but one of his middle names, 'George' was chosen as his regal name.
Although William has a lengthy full name and could technically choose from any of his names including William Arthur Philip Louis, it's expected he will be called King William V.
There have been four previous King Williams in history:
1 – William the Conqueror – Reigned from December 25, 1066 until his death September 9, 1087
2 – William II (also known as William Rufus) son of William the Conqueror – Reigned from September 26, 1087 to August 2, 1100
3 – William III – Reigned alongside his wife, Mary II from April 11, 1689 until his death March 8, 1702
4 – William IV – Reigned June 26 1830 until his death June 20, 1837
Will Kate be queen if William is King?
When William becomes King, his wife Catherine will become Queen Consort and most likely be known as Queen Catherine.
If current Queen Camilla outlives King Charles, her title will change to Queen Dowager which is a courtesy title given to the widow of the King.
Will Prince Harry ever become king?
As fifth in line to the throne, it's very unlikely Prince Harry will ever become King. In order for Prince Harry to ever become King, Prince William, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis must either abdicate the throne or all pass away, all of which are highly unlikely. If however, both King Charles and Prince William died before Prince George was 18 years old, a regent would need to step in which tends to be the next adult in line of succession which after Prince William is Prince Harry.
Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer at Yours.co.uk. She was previously a writer at Yours Magazine writing features and news stories before joining the digital team. Lorna loves the great British countryside and likes to spend her spare time out and about in her home of Nottinghamshire walking her dog, Pippin.