The End of Male Primogeniture

Primogeniture traditionally meant “the right of succession belonging to the firstborn child, especially the feudal rule by which the whole real estate of an intestate passed to the eldest son.”

In the documentary, historian and author Tom Quinn reflected on how the lives of Prince William and Princess Kate’s children will differ greatly from earlier generations.

Their upbringing contrasts sharply with that of King Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince William, and Prince Harry.

For example, Princess Anne was never the “spare” to King Charles, despite being his next-eldest sibling. Simply because she was a girl, her younger brother Prince Andrew became next in line.

Quinn noted that under the new rules for George, Charlotte, and Louis, “it will make things a lot easier because there won’t be two males like two deer clashing antlers anymore.”

A Freer Future for the Next Generation

Queen Elizabeth II’s former press secretary, Ailsa Anderson, also commented on the evolving royal dynamic, saying that thanks to the legal change, George, Charlotte, and Louis will have more “freedom and choice than their father had.”

The documentary aired shortly after Prince William shared his thoughts on Prince George’s eventual role as king during The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy.

When asked how he feels about his son’s future, William reflected:
“It’s an interesting question and it’s a big question that one. Because there’s lots of things to think about with that. But obviously, I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, a world and a job that actually does impact people’s lives for the better.”