They sit on the throne, again, because the Act of Secession in 1701 excluded Catholics from the throne. Without said act, the Electress Sophia of Hanover and her descendents would not have came to the English throne. Not only are the Stuarts higher up on the chain, so are all the older brothers and sisters of the Electress, something around 17 different branches.
“that would have meant a Catholic on the throne.”
The senior descendent from James VII/II are the Stuarts. Not the Hanoverians. The Hanoverians are a cadet branch.
Actually I didnt deny the act of 1701, I was ‘clearing up’ the history for anyone reading who dosent know it. Particularly in the UK, the Hanoverian ascent and why are wreathed in myth and misconception. Most Brits in 2012 think the current Royals are 100% German, with no British/Irish blood in them.
The Act may be a historical embarrassment and obselete now, but frankly at the time it was understandable.