Isn’t there a succession system that’s been in place roughly forever? The King/Queen is dead, long live the King/Queen? Short of abdicating, I think that succession is automatic to Chaz and, upon his death, to Wills.
I don’t see Chaz going along with a plan that would bypass him. He’ already 64 (which probably mean another 30 years at least to go with that family’s longevity).
I am certainly no expert in this area, but it is my understanding that, while the queen is living, it is her choice whether or not to pass the crown to her son. I do not think she is obligated to hand it over to Chuckles.
Perhaps she is hoping Hank shapes up so she can pass it to him.
Maybe some FReeper with some knowledge in this matter will enlighten us....
Correct. The line of succession is currently determined primarily by the Act of Settlement of 1701 and the Act of Union of 1800 (theoretically modified by His Majesty's Declaration of Abdication Act 1936 although as Edward VIII/The Duke of Windsor died childless, that is totally theoretical), but even these centuries old laws merely restate the common law principles going back centuries further. There will shortly be modifications made (giving females equal standing with males, and removal of a restriction on those married to Catholics), but, yes, the Heir as designated by birth becomes King or Queen the instant the previous monarch dies. They can choose to abdicate if they wish, but would still be King or Queen until the Instrument of Abdication took effect.
I don’t see Chaz going along with a plan that would bypass him. He’ already 64 (which probably mean another 30 years at least to go with that family’s longevity).
I just addressed this in my previous messages - the Prince of Wales will, unless completely infirm, in my view, take the Crown for two reasons. The first is that it is his duty - and he has always done his duty to his country. The second is that he wants his son to have as normal a life as possible for as long as possible - and that means keeping him off the throne as long as possible. He may also, certainly, want the chance to do the job, he's been waiting all his life for - but that is less important than the other two reasons. And people need to remember that even if he does want to be King - it can only happen if something, as a loving son, he desperately does not want to happen for as long as possible happens first.