Now That Prince George Was Born, Is The Impetus for Succession Reform Gone?

[Lord_Feldon]

@zev_steinhardt

Well, no, as was pointed out previously, any changes to the line of succession have to be made in all Commonwealth countries to take effect.

They “have to” because that’s what was agreed, but it’s not a universal legal requirement. The UK and New Zealand have parliamentary supremacy, so even if there was a law requiring that it be made in all Commonwealth realms, a newer law would just supersede that.

@Mk_VII

Yes, there is - the Statute of Westminster makes all changes to the line of succession void unless all the Commonwealth Realms pass exactly similar legislation to change it.

No, it just says in the preamble that it’s a good idea for all the Commonwealth Realms to agree. It doesn’t void anything, or require legislation in every country (AFAIK only three countries legislated the abdication of Edward VIII, and one of them (Canada) did it several months after it had agreed to the abdication and proclaimed George VI as king).

At least five of the realms are just not going to have any legislation this time aorund, on the grounds that their constitutions don’t require it. Canada’s legislation isn’t exactly similar, as it only “consents” to the British legislation (in an attempt to avoid having to deal with the Constitution).

[Lord_Feldon]

@Lord_Feldon

(AFAIK only three countries legislated the abdication of Edward VIII, and one of them (Canada) did it several months after it had agreed to the abdication and proclaimed George VI as king).

Actually, all four of the countries that had adopted the Statute of Westminster at the time (I didn’t realize Australia and New Zealand waited until the 40s) did pass abdication legislation, although only the UK and Ireland did it in a timely manner, and Canada and South Africa still recognized George VI as king in December 1936 even though their legislation wasn’t enacted until well into 1937.

[Northern_Piper]

@Captain_Amazing

Before 1947, the Imperial family consisted of not only the Emperor and his immediate family, but also what were called the shinnoke and the oke lines, which were 11 collateral families descended from previous emperors. Any male member of these families was eligible to become Emperor

[etc.]

Thanks for the detailed explanation - very interesting.

[SanVito]

@The_Second_Stone

It seems to me that it would be the perfect time for reform since the conservatives don’t have to contemplate having another woman on the throne after the current one for a half-century, they won’t get too excited about it. Let’s face it, Liz 2 is a non-wave making monarch without any personal controversy. Passing it now would be the ultimate kicking the can down the road. But they have at least half a century to do so. If they want to even have a monarch that far in the future.

There hasn’t been any conservative opposition to this change. Even the crustiest of old fogies recognise that male primogeniture is way past its sell by date, and saying otherwise would be a pretty gross insult to our extremely well respected incumbent.

[Malden_Capell]

In fact, many have demanded that the principle be extended to other areas, such as hereditary peerages.