Princess Charlotte set to make history when royal baby arrives
For the first time in history, Princess Charlotte’s ranking for the crown will not be affected by the arrival of her new sibling if her mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, gives birth to a boy.
Thanks to the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, birth order now determines who will become the next king or queen of the UK, not their gender. If this new act had not been put in place, the two-year-old princess’s position would fall a spot if Prince William and Kate Middleton were to welcome a boy.
The new legislation affects all royals born after October 28, 2011 and was first passed while Kate Middleton was pregnant with now 4-year-old Prince George.
Prince Charles is currently the heir to the throne, which his mother Queen Elizabeth II has held the position of for 66 years. Prince William is second in line, with his children – Prince George and Princess Charlotte – in third and fourth positions, respectively, and the impending arrival of his soon-to-be newborn child taking the fifth position.
Prince Harry, who is currently fifth in line to the throne, will move down a place once his new niece or nephew arrives, as will Prince Andrew, and his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
In the meantime, Kate is now officially on maternity leave and preparing for the new addition to her and Prince William’s family.
A royal friend told PEOPLE that both Prince George and Princess Charlotte are “excited” about their new sibling, noting, “Charlotte, as the youngest, may find it hard.”