Why Does Prince Andrew Precede Princess Anne in the Royal Succession?

Learn why Prince Andrew comes before Princess Anne in the succession line due to historical male-preference primogeniture rules.

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Prince Andrew comes before Princess Anne in the line of succession due to the rules of male-preference primogeniture that were in effect at the time of their birth. Under this system, younger male siblings displace their elder sisters. However, it's important to note that this rule was changed by the Succession to the Crown Act 2013. The act applies to those born after October 28, 2011, making Andrew's precedence over Anne a reflection of the laws at their time of birth.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is male-preference primogeniture? Male-preference primogeniture is a succession system where younger male siblings inherit before their older sisters, as was the case in the British royal family prior to 2011.
  2. When was the Succession to the Crown Act 2013 implemented? The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 took effect on October 28, 2011, changing succession rules so that birth order, regardless of gender, determines the line of succession.
  3. Does Princess Anne come after Prince Andrew because of gender? Yes, under the old male-preference primogeniture rules, Prince Andrew comes before his older sister Princess Anne because males were given precedence over females.