Princess Charlotte 'marked end of centuries-old tradition' that Princess Anne suffered
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
A "centuries-old" royal tradition that once affected Princess Anne's place in the line of succession was finally overturned with Princess Charlotte, thanks to a pivotal Act of Parliament.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, her eldest son Charles immediately ascended to the throne. His firstborn, William, stepped up as the next in line, with his offspring, Prince George, as his heir.
This marked the first occasion in nearly a century that Britain saw both a male sovereign and his male heir.
Historically, under a 1701 law, the throne would pass to the eldest male, sidelining any older sisters (a practice known as male primogeniture), but this outdated rule was rewritten in recent years, reports Gloucestershire Live.
But with the introduction of the Succession to the Crown Act in 2013, the outdated "centuries-old, men-first tradition" was abolished. It ensured that Princess Charlotte wouldn't be bumped down the succession line by her younger brother, unlike Princess Anne who ranks below her younger brothers.
(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Wesley Kerr OBE, an ex-BBC Royal correspondent, told Channel 5's Secrets of the Royal Traditions: "So, whereas Princess Anne, who's the second child of Elizabeth, is below all three of her brothers in the line of succession, Charlotte did not go down a place when Louis was born.
"There's absolute equality between boys and girls. So, had Charlotte been the eldest, she would be the next monarch - a well-needed piece of modernisation."
Royal historian Gareth Russell added that Queen Elizabeth believed there should be "no reason" why a female couldn't ascend to the throne, whilst BBC's Jennie Bond expressed that this alteration champions the cause for "striking out for the modern woman".
Charlotte, who is the middle child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, follows her older brother Prince George and is followed by the youngest, Prince Louis.
(Image: Getty Images)
In recently celebrating her 10th birthday, a new image of Charlotte was released by her parents from her time in Cumbria. The royals' social media accounts featured this photograph with the caption: "Happy 10th Birthday Princess Charlotte."
As reported by Sky News, William and Kate habitually engage their followers by sharing personal photos of their children, often captured by the Duchess herself.
Following this, just over a week ago, another photo surfaced online—this time featuring young Prince Louis. This latest snapshot was taken by Josh Shinner and posted in celebration of the prince turning seven years old.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Daily Record
Prince Harry's plan for kids' future 'makes no sense', says royal expert
A Royal expert has questioned Harry and Meghan's plan for their children's futures. The Sussex family may no longer be active as royals or carry out duties for the King Charles. But despite their controversial withdrawal from the royal family, they reportedly are open to their children playing their part in the monarchy. Sources close to the Sussexes have said that the pair do in fact want Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who just turned four, to retain their royal titles, so they will be able to choose to become working royals if they want to when they reach adulthood. It comes after the source claimed Harry and Meghan feared passports for their children were being held up due to the use of their HRH titles. It was claimed that the Sussexes were left frustrated as they waited months for British passports to arrive, and reportedly believed it was due to the fact they included their children's royal titles on the application. But former BBC royal expert Jennie Bond has questioned why Harry and Meghan appear so keen to cling onto titles for their children - even though they have previously hit out against the institution of monarchy. The expert told the Mirror: "I really don't understand why, having extricated themselves from a life they did not enjoy and in which Harry has publicly spoken of 'feeling trapped', they want to give their children the option of re-joining. It makes no sense. "Who knows what's going to happen in the future? But it's very hard to see how two children who are clearly now more American than British would want to change their whole way of life and become working members of the royal family." Archie and Lilibet were given prince and princess titles when their grandfather King Charles became monarch in 2022. The first time their titles were formally announced was after Lilibet's christening in March 2023. It is said that the passport delay caused Harry to approach the possibility of changing his family surname to Spencer in a nod to his late mother, Princess Diana. And Jennie added: "I think Harry has always been more Spencer than Windsor, so if he was ever going to change his name, it would be to Spencer. "But this would be a final nail in the coffin of his relationship with his father and his brother. It would amount to a public declaration that he no longer saw himself as part of the royal family." There has been continued controversy over the Sussexes' HRH titles since the pair quit their royal roles five years ago. As part of their Megxit negotiations with the Palace, Meghan and the Duke of Sussex agreed to stop using 'Her Royal Highness' and 'His Royal Highness' at the end of March 2020. They still retain the styles, with Harry having had his since birth, but they are essentially held in abeyance, and so are not in active use. However, earlier this year, it emerged that Meghan had used her HRH style on a gift basket sent to make-up entrepreneur Jamie Kern Lima last year, with a monogrammed card reading: 'With Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex'. Kern Lima showed an image of the present in footage of her podcast interview with Meghan. It contained a jar of Meghan's jam which she has started selling as part of her As Ever lifestyle business brand. A source described the basket as a 'personal gift'. The duchess's representatives denied that the couple used their royal titles, but a source later said that the Sussexes did not use HRH publicly, but retained the style, and did not use it for commercial purposes. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Western Telegraph
6 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
UK parents think they had safer childhoods than their children
Whilst many also believe that their childhoods were easier (54%) and full of better experiences (55%). A YouGov survey of 4,017 parents and carers commissioned by the NSPCC to analyse children's playing habits also found that 52% of participants want their children to play more in person. Overall, findings across the UK showed that 38% of parents believe their child plays online every day or multiple times a day. (Image: Getty Images) Once children reach their teens, this increases, with 53% of parents of 12–16-year-olds saying their children within that age group play online at least once a day. In person play also decreases as a child ages. While 40% of total participants agreed that their children played in person once a day or more, for parents of 12-16 year olds this decreases to just 27%, and 16% for those with 17-18 year olds. The survey comes as the NSPCC prepares for its fourth annual Childhood Day on Friday (June 6). To mark the day, it has issued calls for families to come together and celebrate the joys of childhood, while also encouraging people to play their part to help keep children safe. People can get involved by donating to the NSPCC, including in Lidl stores - either at cash donation tins or in small amounts via card payment at the till, thanks to digital micro-donation system Pennies. They can also volunteer at a Childhood Day collection point or take on the NSPCC's Childhood Day Mile. Lidl GB is sponsoring the NSPCC's Childhood Day for a fourth year as retail sponsor. All the funds raised will go towards helping the NSPCC deliver vital services, like Childline which supports children at risk. For information on how to get involved in Childhood Day including taking part in the Childhood Day Mile or volunteering at a fundraising collection, visit Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC said: 'It is human nature to want something better for your children, but our latest research suggests that parents today believe we are trending in the wrong direction in terms of childhood experiences. 'Lack of in-person play for children is a particular concern for parents, something we all have a responsibility to try and address. Children and young people playing more with their friends and family, both inside and outside, can only be a good thing for their physical and mental health and general sense of wellbeing. "The NSPCC's Childhood Day is all about bringing families, friends and communities together to celebrate childhood and give everyone a really fun and positive in-person experience, while at the same time seeking to raise vital funds for the charity.'
Glasgow Times
10 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
When Bindweed flowers in UK and how to kill and remove it
Bindweed is one of the common plants that can flower and cause problems in your garden. While it may look pretty, it has been described by experts as "rampant" and can "quickly smother other plants in your garden". Here is all to know about Bindweed, including what it looks like, when it flowers in the UK, if it is poisonous and how to remove it. How to Get Rid of These Common Garden Pests What is Bindweed and what does it look like? Bindweed is a UK native wildflower, and while it can be beneficial to wildlife, its spreading roots and twining stems can cause issues in gardens. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) highlights two types of common Bindweed, namely Hedge bindweed and Field Bindweed. Hedge Bindweed has heart-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped flowers. These are "usually white but can also be pale pink with a white centre and five white stripes". "After flowering, rounded capsules form, each containing up to four oval-shaped brown seeds," the RHS adds. Hedge Bindweed has heart-shaped leaves and funnel-shaped flowers (Image: Getty Images) Field Bindweed is described as "smaller and less vigorous", and has oval to arrow-shaped, grey-green leaves, with funnel-shaped flowers that are often pale pink, but can also be pink with a white centre and stripes, or plain white. When does Bindweed flower in the UK? Wildlife Trusts notes that Bindweed typically flowers between June and September. Despite Bindweed stems typically dying back in autumn, the root system remains and will be "ready to produce new shoots in spring". Nick Wood is a horticulture expert at online garden centre Gardening Express. He has issued a warning to Brits as we come into the seasons when Bindweed typically flowers. Arvensis: refers to plants typically found in, or associated with, fields or cultivated areas. From the Latin 'arvum' meaning field. Field Bindweed, Convolvulus arvensis. Leaves to 5cm, alternate with basal lobes. Flowers trumpet-shaped, white or pink and white, 1-3cm across. — Big Meadow Search (@bigmeadowsearch) March 22, 2025 He said: "Bindweed might look pretty with its delicate flowers and heart-shaped leaves, but don't be fooled - it's a rampant twining vine that can quickly smother other plants in your garden. "Hedge bindweed is the real culprit here, with its fast-growing, climbing stems that can wrap around and strangle anything in their path. "Field bindweed is less aggressive, but it's still a persistent problem, especially in open soil where it can spread rapidly. "While it's a native wildflower, its aggressive growth and spreading roots can quickly take over gardens and other natural areas, which is why it's incredibly invasive in the UK. Bindweed UK law Mr Wood added that while there is "no specific law directly addressing bindweed in the UK", Brits "all have a legal duty to manage invasive plants to prevent them from spreading and causing harm to neighbouring properties". The RHS adds that while you do not need to remove Bindweed from your garden, it can spread to other plants, so controlling it is key. @invasiveweeds Bindweed in Mid June with its Beautiful White Flowers Bindweed, also known as Convolvulus arvensis, is a common weed that produces beautiful white flowers during the summer months, including mid-June. Despite its attractive appearance, bindweed is considered an invasive plant that can be problematic in gardens and agricultural fields. #bindweed ♬ original sound - Invasive Weeds It said: "If left to grow in a wildlife corner or less-cultivated area, or through a mature hedge, it will boost the variety of living organisms (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) in a particular environment. "Boosting the biodiversity of your garden has many benefits, including supporting wildlife, improving soil health and reducing the likelihood of pest and disease problems. biodiversity of your garden and gives you a chance to enjoy its attractive flowers. "It is, however, a good idea to control the spread of hedge and field bindweed as they are both capable of outcompeting and smothering other plants." Is Bindweed poisonous? With Bindweed being very common in the UK, it is important to know if it is poisonous to humans or pets. Thankfully, unlike some other weeds in the UK, Bindweed is not poisonous. Poisonous Plants Found in the UK The expert explained: "Luckily, bindweed isn't poisonous to humans or pets, but it can be a nightmare for gardeners trying to keep it under control. This is despite the fact that its flowers can attract pollinators. "But don't let that fact lull you into letting it run wild - the damage it can do far outweighs any small benefit." Mr Wood also touched on how best to remove the invasive plant. Can you dig out Bindweed? How best to remove and kill it The expert warned Brits to "act quickly" if they find Bindweed in their garden. He also issued a guide on how to attack the plant and get rid of it. Bindweed can be a pest to properties as it grows fast and infiltrates property boundaries damaging the structure (Image: Getty Images) Mr Wood said: "Pull it up by hand, being careful to remove as much of the root system as possible. "If you leave even a tiny fragment behind, it can regrow and spread all over again. "You'll need patience and persistence, and be prepared to keep at it for several growing seasons. "Herbicides can work, but they often require multiple applications, and be careful not to damage nearby plants." If you are looking to dig out Bindweed, Mr Wood recommended against it. Recommended reading: He said: "You can try digging it out, but be warned - bindweed has a notoriously extensive root system. "If you miss even a tiny piece, it can regrow with a vengeance. Regular cutting and pulling can keep bindweed in check, but it's a long game. "Persistence is key, and whatever you do, don't let it flower - that's when it spreads even faster."
