image by Flickr user flow14

As you’re already well aware, Will and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, welcomed a baby boy yesterday. The baby, the Prince of Cambridge, is now third in line for the throne behind his grandfather, Prince Charles, and his father, Prince William. Prior to the baby’s birth, Prince William’s younger brother Harry was third in line. And thanks to some recent legislation, the child was assured that position in the line of succession regardless of its gender.

The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 (UK) received Royal Assent on April 25, 2013. In addition to granting both male and female children born after October 28, 2011 the same position in the line of succession (Sec. 1), the Act also removes a prior restriction about marrying a Roman Catholic (Sec. 2), and limits royal assent on a marriage to only the first six people in the line of succession (Sec. 3), amongst other provisions.

If you’re interested in looking at more UK legislation, take a look at the full legislation.gov.uk website, which has legislation going back to the 13th century.