Kate Middleton: New succession rules could make her mother of Britain’s next queen

If Kate Middleton's first-born were to be female, under new succession rules that daughter would be guaranteed the throne. Here are three would-be queens who missed out to younger brothers in the past 500 years.

Princess Victoria

The eldest daughter of the greatly esteemed Queen Victoria and Prince Albert would have taken the throne in 1901 instead of King Edward VII.

The Princess Royal, as she was known, did enjoy a different stint as queen, however: By marriage to German Emperor Frederick III she became German Empress and Queen of Prussia. The marriage between 17-year-old Princess Victoria and Frederick, who was 10 years her senior, was aimed at creating an alliance between London and Berlin. “God save the Prince and bride! God keep their lands allied!” Londoners are said to have shouted at their wedding.

3 of 3
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us