Ever sat around and wondered what happens if the King just... stops? Not to be grim, but the British Monarchy is basically the world's longest-running relay race. The baton is the crown, and the track is a very specific, law-bound list. Honestly, if you're trying to figure out who is next in line for the English throne, you're looking at a mix of ancient tradition and some surprisingly modern updates that changed the game for the girls in the family.
Right now, King Charles III is the boss. But behind him is a queue that stretches out much further than most people realize. It's not just the famous faces you see on the balcony at Buckingham Palace; it's a list of hundreds, though only the top twenty or so really "matter" in a practical sense.
The Heir Apparent: Prince William
Prince William is the big one. He's the Heir Apparent. Basically, that means he’s the only person on this list whose position is unshakeable. Short of him passing away before his father, nothing—no new royal babies, no weird legal loopholes—can move him from that top spot. He’s the first in line.
When he eventually takes over, he'll likely be King William V. His wife, Catherine, won’t be "The Queen" in the way Elizabeth II was; she’ll be Queen Consort. It’s a subtle distinction, but a big one in royal geek circles. William has been prepping for this since he was a kid, and at 43, he's currently the backbone of the "working" royal family.
The Wales Branch: The kids are all right
After William, the line follows his children. This is where things got interesting back in 2013.
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- Prince George of Wales: He’s second in line. He's twelve now. It’s wild to think that this kid, who is probably more worried about school and video games, is essentially a King-in-waiting.
- Princess Charlotte of Wales: She is third in line.
- Prince Louis of Wales: He’s fourth.
Here is the thing most people get wrong: in the "old days," Louis would have jumped ahead of Charlotte because he’s a boy. But thanks to the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, gender doesn't dictate the order anymore for anyone born after October 2011. Charlotte keeps her spot. She’s the first female royal to ever stay ahead of a younger brother in the line of succession. That's a huge deal.
The Sussex Factor: Harry, Archie, and Lilibet
This is usually where the internet starts arguing. Despite everything that’s happened—the move to California, the "Spare" memoir, the stepping back from official duties—Prince Harry is still fifth in line to the throne. Being a "working royal" and being in the line of succession are two totally different things. You can quit your job, but you can’t quit your bloodline. To remove him, it would literally take an Act of Parliament. And honestly? Nobody wants that headache.
His kids follow him:
- Prince Archie of Sussex is sixth.
- Princess Lilibet of Sussex is seventh.
They are staying in the line. Even though they’re growing up in the U.S., they are still very much part of the British constitutional backup plan.
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The Rest of the Top Ten: The Yorks
Once we get past Harry's family, we hit the siblings of King Charles.
Eighth in line is Prince Andrew (now often referred to in legal/official contexts simply as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor). Like Harry, his lack of "working" status doesn't change his birthright.
Then come his daughters. Princess Beatrice is ninth. She’s also a Counsellor of State, which means she can actually fill in for the King if he’s sick or abroad. Her daughter, Sienna Mapelli Mozzi, is tenth. Just recently in 2025, Beatrice had another daughter, Athena, who slots in right after her sister.
Why the English throne succession is so rigid
You can’t just pick the person who is best at the job. It’s all about the Act of Settlement (1701) and the Bill of Rights (1689). Basically, you have to be a Protestant descendant of Princess Sophia of Hanover.
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If you become a Catholic? You're out.
If you’re born out of wedlock? You're out.
It sounds archaic because it is. But it’s the legal glue that keeps the whole "The Crown never dies" thing working. The moment a Monarch breathes their last, the next person in line becomes the Monarch instantly. No voting, no waiting. Just... boom, you're the King.
Who is next in line for the English throne: The quick list
- 1. Prince William (The heir)
- 2. Prince George (William's eldest)
- 3. Princess Charlotte (William's second)
- 4. Prince Louis (William's third)
- 5. Prince Harry (The King's second son)
- 6. Prince Archie (Harry's eldest)
- 7. Princess Lilibet (Harry's second)
- 8. Prince Andrew (The King's brother)
- 9. Princess Beatrice (Andrew's eldest)
- 10. Sienna Mapelli Mozzi (Beatrice's eldest)
What happens next?
If you want to keep track of this, watch the official updates on the Royal Family's website, though they usually only list the first 20 or so. The line changes every time a baby is born or someone dies.
For now, the focus is heavily on Prince William. As King Charles manages his health in 2026, William is taking on more responsibility than ever. If you're following the news, pay attention to the "Counsellors of State." These are the people—William, Beatrice, Edward, and Anne—who actually have the power to sign documents for the King.
The best way to stay informed is to check the London Gazette for official proclamations, as that’s where the legal changes to titles and succession are actually recorded for history.