Charles being crowned King of the United Kingdom means a lot of change for the royal family, not least of all when it comes to the line of succession. This centuries-old concept, which dictates where each royal family member is line for the throne, is much more complicated than you may think. It’s lasted a very, very long time and has barely changed over the centuries — but now things are looking a little different. Here are the royals ranked by how likely they are to wear the famous crown.
1. King Charles III
Place on family tree: New King of England
New King of England Charles was born in 1948, so you better believe he was waiting a while to get on the throne. His popularity has gone up and down over the years — thanks in part to his relationship with Camilla — and there was even thinking that his son, Prince William, might have named king instead..
New King of England Charles was born in 1948, so you better believe he was waiting a while to get on the throne. His popularity has gone up and down over the years — thanks in part to his relationship with Camilla — and there was even thinking that his son, Prince William, might have named king instead..
2. Prince William
Place on family tree: Next in line
It's official: Prince William is now next in line to be King of England. He’s practically been in training for it all his life — although his mother, Princess Diana, also made sure he had a somewhat normal childhood.
It's official: Prince William is now next in line to be King of England. He’s practically been in training for it all his life — although his mother, Princess Diana, also made sure he had a somewhat normal childhood.
Today, Will is one of the most popular members of the royal family along with his wife Kate, who would become Queen Consort if the prince ascends the throne.
3. Prince George
Place on family tree: Prince William’s first child
Apparently, William and Kate opted not to tell their oldest child that he would be king until he was old enough to understand the enormity of the situation. However, once he turned seven, insiders have claimed, the beans were spilled.
Apparently, William and Kate opted not to tell their oldest child that he would be king until he was old enough to understand the enormity of the situation. However, once he turned seven, insiders have claimed, the beans were spilled.
As for what kind of ruler Prince George will be? Well, we’ll just have to wait and find out — if we live long enough, that is…
4. Princess Charlotte
Place on family tree: Prince William’s second child
Before Princess Charlotte was born, the rules of the line of succession were changed for the first time in centuries. More specifically, the archaic law ranking males above females was scrapped.
Before Princess Charlotte was born, the rules of the line of succession were changed for the first time in centuries. More specifically, the archaic law ranking males above females was scrapped.
So Charlotte made history before she was even ten, becoming the first ever royal big sister to not be pushed down the line by a little brother.
5. Prince Louis
Place on family tree: Prince William’s third child
The younger brother in question is Prince Louis, who came along in April 2018. Royal watchers won’t have seen as much of him as they have of his siblings, as the pandemic has prevented him from being taken on a tour overseas.
The younger brother in question is Prince Louis, who came along in April 2018. Royal watchers won’t have seen as much of him as they have of his siblings, as the pandemic has prevented him from being taken on a tour overseas.
There’s still plenty of time for that, though!
6. Prince Harry
Place on family tree: Charles’ second child
You won’t see Prince Harry at many royal events these days. Famously, in 2020 he and Meghan announced they would be relinquishing their positions as senior royals and giving up their financial allowances to boot.
You won’t see Prince Harry at many royal events these days. Famously, in 2020 he and Meghan announced they would be relinquishing their positions as senior royals and giving up their financial allowances to boot.
This caused a rift between Harry and his family that is reportedly still ongoing.
7. Archie Mountbatten-Windsor
Place on family tree: Prince Harry’s first child
Harry became a father in 2019 when little Archie was born. At the time, it was reported that he and Meghan didn’t want their son to have a royal title.
Harry became a father in 2019 when little Archie was born. At the time, it was reported that he and Meghan didn’t want their son to have a royal title.
Later, though, Meghan claimed that they had indeed wanted this but were denied. We’ll almost certainly hear more about this as time goes on, but chances are that Archie will become a prince automatically now that Charles has taken the throne.
8. Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor
Place on family tree: Prince Harry’s second child
Little Lilibet was born after Harry and Meghan’s move to California, so they’ve been able to maintain her privacy in a way they may not have managed as working royals. In fact, there are virtually no pictures of the baby girl in public circulation.
Little Lilibet was born after Harry and Meghan’s move to California, so they’ve been able to maintain her privacy in a way they may not have managed as working royals. In fact, there are virtually no pictures of the baby girl in public circulation.
But we do know a sweet detail about her name: “Lilibet” was actually the childhood nickname of the Queen.
9. Prince Andrew
Place on family tree: The Queen’s third child
Prince Andrew is the third child of the Queen, but he was born decades before the laws of succession were made more progressive. That means he’s further ahead in line than his sister Princess Anne, as are his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie.
Prince Andrew is the third child of the Queen, but he was born decades before the laws of succession were made more progressive. That means he’s further ahead in line than his sister Princess Anne, as are his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie.
He’ll almost certainly never be king though — which is just as well, considering how unpopular he is.
10. Princess Beatrice
Place on family tree: Prince Andrew’s first child
Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York is the oldest daughter of Andrew and a granddaughter of the Queen. You won’t see her carrying out many royal duties, as — unlike some of her cousins — she maintains a career.
Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York is the oldest daughter of Andrew and a granddaughter of the Queen. You won’t see her carrying out many royal duties, as — unlike some of her cousins — she maintains a career.
Specifically, she works as a vice president at the software firm Afiniti, where she goes under the surname “York.”
11. Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi
Place on family tree: Princess Beatrice’s first child
Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi welcomed their daughter Sienna Elizabeth in 2021. And, yep, that tiny baby is currently 11th in line to the British throne.
Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi welcomed their daughter Sienna Elizabeth in 2021. And, yep, that tiny baby is currently 11th in line to the British throne.
Sienna will also grow up with a stepbrother, Edoardo’s son Wolfie, but as he wasn’t born to a royal, he’s not included in the line of succession.
12. Princess Eugenie
Place on family tree: Prince Andrew’s second child
Princess Eugenie, Beatrice’s younger sister, is another royal who has a real job: director at the London branch of art gallery Hauser & Wirth. It suits her well, as she’s apparently long had a penchant for art.
Princess Eugenie, Beatrice’s younger sister, is another royal who has a real job: director at the London branch of art gallery Hauser & Wirth. It suits her well, as she’s apparently long had a penchant for art.
And like her sister, she’s a wife and a mother, too.
13. August Philip Hawke Brooksbank
Place on family tree: Princess Eugenie’s first child
Eugenie’s son with husband Jack Brooksbank, little August entered the world in 2021. He’s just one of the many great-grandchildren of the Queen and is at present 13th in line to the throne.
Eugenie’s son with husband Jack Brooksbank, little August entered the world in 2021. He’s just one of the many great-grandchildren of the Queen and is at present 13th in line to the throne.
Oh, and he’s an Instagram star already! Eugenie has happily posted pictures of her young boy for her 1.5 million followers.
14. Prince Edward
Place on family tree: The Queen’s fourth child
Prince Edward may fly rather under the radar today, but he once made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Back in the ’80s, he arranged for his family to take part in a rowdy game show popularly known as It’s a Royal Knockout.
Prince Edward may fly rather under the radar today, but he once made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Back in the ’80s, he arranged for his family to take part in a rowdy game show popularly known as It’s a Royal Knockout.
The whole thing was a complete and utter catastrophe, and the press savaged Edward mercilessly as a consequence. Luckily, it’s largely water under the bridge now.
15. James, Viscount Severn
Place on family tree: Prince Edward’s second child
James is another royal who outranks his sister — despite having been born after her. The young viscount came along in 2007 as the second child of Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
James is another royal who outranks his sister — despite having been born after her. The young viscount came along in 2007 as the second child of Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
And while at the time he was eighth in line to the throne, future royal births have seen him bumped down to 15th place.
16. Lady Louise Windsor
Place on family tree: Prince Edward’s first child
Lady Louise was said to be the Queen’s most beloved grandchild. Yes, really! In 2019 an unnamed source told The Sun, “The Queen [loved] the fact that Louise and James [relished] their time at Balmoral… She ]had] become particularly close to Louise — who [seemed] to have become her favorite grandchild — closely followed by James.”.
Lady Louise was said to be the Queen’s most beloved grandchild. Yes, really! In 2019 an unnamed source told The Sun, “The Queen [loved] the fact that Louise and James [relished] their time at Balmoral… She ]had] become particularly close to Louise — who [seemed] to have become her favorite grandchild — closely followed by James.”.
17. Princess Anne
Place on family tree: The Queen’s second child
Princess Anne may be one of the more low-key royals, but she’s not exactly hiding away in a palace. In fact, in 2021 it was announced she had carried out the most engagements of any royal family member that year.
Princess Anne may be one of the more low-key royals, but she’s not exactly hiding away in a palace. In fact, in 2021 it was announced she had carried out the most engagements of any royal family member that year.
Anne’s dedication to her duties has even led one British newspaper to question whether she’s “the best monarch we’ll never have.”
18. Peter Phillips
Place on family tree: Princess Anne’s first child
Peter Phillips is the oldest child of Anne and Mark Phillips, and the first grandchild of the Queen. He and his sister never received royal titles, though, as their parents didn’t want them.
Peter Phillips is the oldest child of Anne and Mark Phillips, and the first grandchild of the Queen. He and his sister never received royal titles, though, as their parents didn’t want them.
And Peter was reportedly another favorite of the Queen. In 2016 he told The Daily Telegraph, “I’ve [was] always very close to my grandmother, and we [spoke] often.”
19. Savannah Phillips
Place on family tree: Peter’s first child
Savannah Phillips, born to Peter and Autumn Kelly, was the first great-grandchild of the Queen. And while her parents keep her out of the spotlight, occasionally journalists do get hold of little tidbits about her life.
Savannah Phillips, born to Peter and Autumn Kelly, was the first great-grandchild of the Queen. And while her parents keep her out of the spotlight, occasionally journalists do get hold of little tidbits about her life.
For example, in 2022 it was reported that her parents were considering enrolling Savannah in boarding school. It makes sense, as so many of her royal relatives have boarded.
20. Isla Phillips
Place on family tree: Peter’s second child
Little Isla Phillips entered the world in 2012. But before she even reached double figures, her parents suddenly announced that they were to divorce.
Little Isla Phillips entered the world in 2012. But before she even reached double figures, her parents suddenly announced that they were to divorce.
A statement by Peter and Autumn’s spokesperson added, “The couple’s first priority will remain the continued wellbeing and upbringing of their wonderful daughters.”
21. Zara Tindall
Place on family tree: Princess Anne’s second child
Zara is one of the more visible non-titled royals, and that’s due in part to her very successful career as a horse rider. Like her mother and other members of the royal family, she absolutely loves equestrian sports.
Zara is one of the more visible non-titled royals, and that’s due in part to her very successful career as a horse rider. Like her mother and other members of the royal family, she absolutely loves equestrian sports.
Zara also married a sportsperson, rugby player Mike Tindall, and it’s his name she now takes as her own surname.
22. Mia Tindall
Place on family tree: Zara’s first child
Zara and Mike’s firstborn, Mia, came into the world in 2014. And while her parents may not have titles, the birth still warranted a statement from the Queen’s press secretary, “The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, Captain Mark Phillips, and Mike’s parents, Mr.
Zara and Mike’s firstborn, Mia, came into the world in 2014. And while her parents may not have titles, the birth still warranted a statement from the Queen’s press secretary, “The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, Captain Mark Phillips, and Mike’s parents, Mr.
Phillip and Mrs. Linda Tindall, have been informed and are delighted with the news,” it said.
23. Lena Elizabeth Tindall
Place on family tree: Zara’s second child
Sadly, Zara had two miscarriages before giving birth to her second daughter, Lena. But she ignored the royal tradition of stoicism and spoke out about her grief.
Sadly, Zara had two miscarriages before giving birth to her second daughter, Lena. But she ignored the royal tradition of stoicism and spoke out about her grief.
“It’s been a horrible road. But, you know, now we’ve come out the end of it, hopefully it makes you a stronger family,” she told the BBC in 2018.
24. Lucas Tindall
Place on family tree: Zara’s third child
Zara’s third child, Lucas, came into the world in quite a dramatic fashion. He simply couldn’t hang on until his parents got to the hospital, so Zara gave birth in her bathroom with a little help from her husband and a couple of midwives.
Zara’s third child, Lucas, came into the world in quite a dramatic fashion. He simply couldn’t hang on until his parents got to the hospital, so Zara gave birth in her bathroom with a little help from her husband and a couple of midwives.
That actually made her the first royal to have a home birth in over half a century!
25. David Armstrong-Jones, Earl of Snowdon
Place on family tree: Nephew of the Queen
David Armstrong-Jones is the son of the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, and her former husband Antony Armstrong-Jones. And while he’s not exactly a tabloid mainstay, one shocking story did bring him into the headlines.
David Armstrong-Jones is the son of the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, and her former husband Antony Armstrong-Jones. And while he’s not exactly a tabloid mainstay, one shocking story did bring him into the headlines.
Back in 2007, David was the victim of an extortion plot that ultimately saw the two perpetrators handed five-year prison terms.
26. Charles Armstrong-Jones, Viscount Linley
Place on family tree: David’s oldest child
As the grand-nephew of the Queen, Charles Armstrong-Jones lives a charmed life — albeit a fairly private one. But in 2012 the then-12-year-old was given a slightly more public-facing role.
As the grand-nephew of the Queen, Charles Armstrong-Jones lives a charmed life — albeit a fairly private one. But in 2012 the then-12-year-old was given a slightly more public-facing role.
As a Page of Honour, he got to hold the monarch’s robes at official ceremonies.
27. Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones
Place on family tree: David’s second child
David and his estranged wife, the Honorable Serena Stanhope, had another child in 2002. Her full name is the tongue-twisting Lady Margarita Elizabeth Rose Alleyne Armstrong-Jones, and you may have spotted her as one of the little bridesmaids at William and Kate’s wedding.
David and his estranged wife, the Honorable Serena Stanhope, had another child in 2002. Her full name is the tongue-twisting Lady Margarita Elizabeth Rose Alleyne Armstrong-Jones, and you may have spotted her as one of the little bridesmaids at William and Kate’s wedding.
Ready to feel old? She turned 18 in 2020.
28. Lady Sarah Chatto
Place on family tree: Niece of the Queen
Lady Sarah is the daughter of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, and she’s said to be very close to her auntie Elizabeth. Apparently, Sarah was the only one the Queen invited along when she visited her beloved Craigowan Lodge in Scotland.
Lady Sarah is the daughter of Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, and she’s said to be very close to her auntie Elizabeth. Apparently, Sarah was the only one the Queen invited along when she visited her beloved Craigowan Lodge in Scotland.
Oh, and she’s also a godmother to both Prince Harry and Lady Louise.
29. Samuel Chatto
Place on family tree: Lady Sarah’s first child
Artist Sam Chatto is Sarah’s son and a great-nephew of the Queen. Unlike the more senior members of the royal family, he’s allowed to have an Instagram account, and it’s filled with pictures of his creative works.
Artist Sam Chatto is Sarah’s son and a great-nephew of the Queen. Unlike the more senior members of the royal family, he’s allowed to have an Instagram account, and it’s filled with pictures of his creative works.
Ceramics is his specialty, and it seems he’s very good at the art form, too.
30. Arthur Chatto
Place on family tree: Lady Sarah’s second child
Arthur Chatto has been gaining attention on social media for his hunky good looks. People noticed him at Harry and Meghan’s wedding, and they liked what they saw.
Arthur Chatto has been gaining attention on social media for his hunky good looks. People noticed him at Harry and Meghan’s wedding, and they liked what they saw.
But no, modeling isn’t in his future, no matter how good he’d be at it. He’s more likely to be training for the Royal Marines instead.
31. Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester
Place on family tree: First cousin of the Queen
Prince Richard is a direct cousin of the Queen and the second-oldest living male descendant of Queen Victoria. That’s quite the bloodline.
Prince Richard is a direct cousin of the Queen and the second-oldest living male descendant of Queen Victoria. That’s quite the bloodline.
And while you won’t see him making many waves within the royal family, he does occasionally step in for Her Majesty at official events.
32. Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster
Place on family tree: Prince Richard’s son
Alexander is the only son of Prince Richard and his wife Brigitte. Officially, he’s Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster, but apparently he tends to go by just “Alex Ulster.” And he’s another royal military man: he went to Kosovo and Iraq before finally hanging up his combat boots in 2008..
Alexander is the only son of Prince Richard and his wife Brigitte. Officially, he’s Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster, but apparently he tends to go by just “Alex Ulster.” And he’s another royal military man: he went to Kosovo and Iraq before finally hanging up his combat boots in 2008..
33. Xan Windsor, Lord Culloden
Place on family tree: Alexander’s first child
Xan Windsor is Alexander’s son with his wife Claire, and he’s clearly named after his father and grandfather! But beyond that, very little is known about him. Even the most ardent royal fans in the world may not have ever seen a photograph of him or his sister Cosima..
Xan Windsor is Alexander’s son with his wife Claire, and he’s clearly named after his father and grandfather! But beyond that, very little is known about him. Even the most ardent royal fans in the world may not have ever seen a photograph of him or his sister Cosima..
34. Lady Cosima Windsor
Place on family tree: Alexander’s second child
Cosima Windsor is still a child, so she is also quite rightly kept out of the limelight. As the 34th person in line to the throne, there’s pretty much no chance she’ll ever be Queen, but that “Lady” title is probably going to serve her well in future life..
Cosima Windsor is still a child, so she is also quite rightly kept out of the limelight. As the 34th person in line to the throne, there’s pretty much no chance she’ll ever be Queen, but that “Lady” title is probably going to serve her well in future life..
35. Lady Davina Windsor
Place on family tree: Prince Richard’s daughter
When Lady Davina tied the knot with New Zealander Gary Lewis, he became the first ever Māori person to marry into the British royal family. But while the couple went on to have two children together, sadly their relationship ultimately broke down.
When Lady Davina tied the knot with New Zealander Gary Lewis, he became the first ever Māori person to marry into the British royal family. But while the couple went on to have two children together, sadly their relationship ultimately broke down.
Their divorce came in 2018 — and it was so hush-hush that it took months for news of the split to be revealed in the press.
36. Senna Lewis
Place on family tree: Davina’s first child
It was thought by some that Harry and Meghan’s son Archie was the first biracial child in the modern royal family. But while he was the first one born of a direct descendant to the Queen, the honor should actually go to Davina and Gary’s daughter Senna Kowhai Lewis.
It was thought by some that Harry and Meghan’s son Archie was the first biracial child in the modern royal family. But while he was the first one born of a direct descendant to the Queen, the honor should actually go to Davina and Gary’s daughter Senna Kowhai Lewis.
Her middle name is a tribute to her Māori heritage.
37. Tāne Lewis
Place on family tree: Davina’s second child
Davina and Gary’s son is Tāne Mahuta Lewis, named after the famous Tāne Mahuta tree in New Zealand. It’s a neat nod to his own roots, too, as Tāne is also a deity in Māori mythology.
Davina and Gary’s son is Tāne Mahuta Lewis, named after the famous Tāne Mahuta tree in New Zealand. It’s a neat nod to his own roots, too, as Tāne is also a deity in Māori mythology.
Supposedly, following his parents’ split, the young boy now lives with his mother in London.
38. Lady Rose Gilman
Place on family tree: Prince Richard’s daughter
Lady Rose — whose impressive full name is actually Lady Rose Victoria Birgitte Louise Gilman — works behind the scenes in the movie industry. Her name is on the credits of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, in fact.
Lady Rose — whose impressive full name is actually Lady Rose Victoria Birgitte Louise Gilman — works behind the scenes in the movie industry. Her name is on the credits of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, in fact.
So while she’ll almost certainly never sit on the throne, she’s still got plenty to fall back on.
39. Lyla Gilman
Place on family tree: Lady Rose’s daughter
Lyla Gilman was once closer to the throne, but she’s sliding further and further down the line of succession as more royal babies are born. Not to worry, though.
Lyla Gilman was once closer to the throne, but she’s sliding further and further down the line of succession as more royal babies are born. Not to worry, though.
She and her brother probably have the best of both worlds: they’re too far away from the throne for the paparazzi to bother them, but they still get to see the Trooping the Colour ceremony from Buckingham Palace’s famous balcony.
40. Rufus Gilman
Place on family tree: Lady Rose’s son
In 2012 Lyla got a brother: Rufus Gilman, the 40th in line to the throne. And we don’t know much about him beyond the fact that he was christened at the Kensington Palace chapel.
In 2012 Lyla got a brother: Rufus Gilman, the 40th in line to the throne. And we don’t know much about him beyond the fact that he was christened at the Kensington Palace chapel.
Still, it’s early days yet. Perhaps he’ll become a headline-grabber after he grows up...