A vote has been passed today stating that women now have equal rights to monarchy over the Commonwealth.

Leaders of 16 Commonwealth countries voted unanimously (that means everyone voted the same) to change the law on who has priority to becoming King or Queen. Before, the heir to the throne was the first-born son. Now, as women are gaining more and more rights, this 300-year-old law is being changed, so that the first child, regardless of gender, inherits the power. This means that if the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had a daughter, she would first inherit the crown. Unfortunately, any living females are not placed any higher. 

The ban on monarchs marrying someone of Roman Catholic religion has also been lifted. This means that, as the world is becoming more equal, if you were called to be King or Queen (which probably, you won’t), you could be Roman Catholic.

The law, which has been in place for hundreds of years, and meant that a woman would only become Queen if  there were no sons. This is why in history, there have been many more kings than queens. Another law ending will be the “Consent for Marriage” law, where any member of the royal family must ask permission to marry from the monarch at the time.

What do you think? Do you hope to be King or Queen someday and you’re not the oldest child? Do you like the new, more equal laws? Leave your thoughts below!

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