Princess Charlotte has already made history several times, but one major moment that forever shaped her future came thanks to a key decision made by Queen Elizabeth II during her reign.

In April 2018, when Prince William and Princess Catherine welcomed their third child, Prince Louis, many expected Princess Charlotte’s place in the line of succession would shift. At just two years old, she stood behind her older brother, Prince George, as third in line to the throne.

But Charlotte retained her position—something that would not have been possible under previous Royal rules.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Modern Move

This change was the result of a significant update during Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign aimed at modernizing the monarchy. The decision put an end to the centuries-old practice of male primogeniture, which gave priority to sons over daughters regardless of birth order.

The historic update meant Charlotte kept her spot in the line of succession even with the arrival of a younger brother—a groundbreaking change in Royal tradition.

The Succession to the Crown Act 2013

This shift came just two years before Charlotte was born and was formalized through the Succession to the Crown Act 2013. According to the Royal Family’s official website, the act “amended the provisions of the Bill of Rights and the Act of Settlement to end the system of male primogeniture, under which a younger son can displace an elder daughter in the line of succession. The Act applies to those born after 28 October 2011.”

That means only Royal children born after this date are affected. For example, Princess Anne—Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter—and Lady Louise Windsor were both born before the law took effect and therefore did not benefit from it. Louise, born in 2003, is now 17th in line to the throne, just behind her younger brother, James, Earl of Wessex.

A Modernized Monarchy

Constitutional expert Iain MacMarthanne explained the importance of the legislative changes, stating: “The 2013 Act sought to bring multiple pieces of outdated and discriminatory legislation relating to the monarchy up to date.”

He continued: “Through this Act, male primogeniture was abolished, allowing the firstborn child, irrespective of gender, to become heir apparent.

“The disqualification from inheriting the throne by marrying a Catholic was removed; and the Royal Marriages Act of 1772 was repealed, resulting in only the first six in line to the throne being required to obtain the sovereign’s permission.”

Thanks to these landmark changes, Princess Charlotte’s place in history—and in the Royal succession—is secure unless her older brother, Prince George, eventually becomes a parent. Until then, she holds a position that would have once been out of reach, symbolizing a new era for the monarchy.