This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
On January 9, 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shocked the world with their decision to step back as senior royals. The couple's announcement has sparked numerous questions, including what this means for the line of succession.
According to the Succession to the Crown Act, the line of succession is based on legislation, and it would take an act of Parliament to remove a person from the list. Historian and author Marlene Koenig explained, "Succession to the throne is based on legislation including the Succession to the Crown Act, which includes the Act of Settlement."
As a result, Meghan and Harry's positions in the line of succession will not change. Prince Harry is currently sixth in line to the throne, with Archie in seventh position. However, they will both drop down the list as the Cambridge children grow up and have children of their own.
Even though the couple has stepped back from their royal duties, they will not be removed from the line of succession. The positioning is based on legislation, and it would require an act of Parliament to change it.
As Marlene Koenig noted, "Edward VIII could not abdicate without an act of Parliament." This means that the line of succession will likely remain unchanged, with Prince Andrew following Archie and then Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
