The British government is considering changing laws of royal succession aimed at eliminating a “discriminatory” rule that gives priority to male descendants.
British officials said Saturday Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who is in charge of constitutional reform, has already begun the process. It would require approval in Britain and in all other Commonwealth nations that recognize the British monarch as head of state.
Clegg has reportedly said the issue is more pressing with Prince William only two weeks away from marriage. William is second in line to inherit the throne, after his father, Prince Charles. But under current British law, if William and wife-to-be Kate Middleton have a son, he would be next in line to become king, even if the couple had a daughter first.
In other news, Prince William’s younger brother, Prince Harry, has been promoted to captain after completing five years of service in the Army Air Corps.
Palace officials said Saturday the 26-year-old prince, who is third in line to the throne, is a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot with the Royal Air Force and will now be known as Captain Harry Wales. In 2007, he had served for 10 weeks in Afghanistan.
Harry will be best man at Prince William’s wedding to Middleton on April 29 in London.
