
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.
