When Queen Elizabeth Dies, Charles Will Become King — Here’s Who’s Next In Line Of British Succession

Topline

When Queen Elizabeth dies, the crown will be passed on to her heir, Prince Charles, as part of the United Kingdom’s constitutional monarchy system—here’s which members of the royal family are next in line for the throne.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales during the State Opening of Parliament at the … [+] Palace of Westminster on October 14, 2019 in London, England.

Getty Images Key Facts

Elizabeth’s oldest child Charles will immediately become king upon her death, though a coronation–traditionally held at Westminster Abbey–will be planned later to officially crown the new king.

Next in line to the throne is Charles’ eldest son Prince William, who regularly makes public appearances on behalf of the crown along with his wife Kate.

Second in line is William’s 9-year-old son Prince George, who is an elementary school student beginning to take part in more engagements with his parents, having made his debut at the Wimbledon finals this year, a royal tradition (after George, next in the line of succession are his two young siblings, Princess Charlotte, age 7, and Prince Louis, age 4.)

Prince William’s younger brother Prince Harry—Charles and Princess Diana’s second son—is sixth in line after William’s children.

Next in line are Harry’s son and daughter with his American wife Meghan Markle, Archie and Lillibet Mountbatten-Windsor, who all reside in California after Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals in 2020.

After Charles’ children and grandchildren, the next in line for the throne is Elizabeth’s second son, Prince Andrew, who stepped back from royal duties in 2019 amid public outrage over his friendship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein (in February, he settled a sex abuse lawsuit with one of Epstein’s accusers for an undisclosed sum).

News Peg

Buckingham Palace said Thursday that Elizabeth, who is currently residing at Balmoral Castle, her privately-owned residence in Scotland, was placed under medical supervision by her doctors out of concern for her health, though they said the queen remains “comfortable.” Senior members of the royal family, including William, Andrew and Elizabeth’s third son Edward and his wife Sophie were photographed arriving in Scotland to be with the queen. The news comes after 96-year-old Elizabeth has suffered from health issues over the past year.

Key Background

While the sovereign of the United Kingdom is the official head of state, they no longer play a political or executive role in the British government. Instead, kings and queens undertake constitutional and representational duties year-round with support from their immediate family, according to Buckingham Palace. Charles has stepped up to take over some of his mother’s royal duties over the past few years. Earlier this year, Elizabeth indicated she would like Charles’ second wife, Camilla, to become queen consort rather than princess consort — a move widely seen as Elizabeth’s endorsement of the couple after their many rocky years in the public eye.

Further Reading

Queen Elizabeth Says Her ‘Sincere Wish’ Is For Camilla To Be Queen (Forbes)

‘Operation London Bridge’: Inside Plans For Queen Elizabeth’s Death And Funeral (Forbes)

Covid, Sprained Back, Mobility Issues: What We Know About The Queen’s Health In Recent Months (Forbes)

Queen Under Medical Supervision As Doctors Are ‘Concerned For Her Health’ (Forbes)