Royal Line of Succession: Who Follows King Charles on the British Throne?
In a historic development, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking the first arrest of a senior royal in modern times. The arrest follows allegations linked to the release of millions of pages of files on convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with police investigating claims that the former prince shared sensitive information while serving as the UK's trade envoy.
Despite this unprecedented event, the arrest does not immediately alter the centuries-old line of succession to the British throne, which determines who will be the next king or queen of Great Britain. With a new generation of royals now prominent, there exists a lengthy list of potential monarchs, some of whom remain relatively unknown to the public.
The Direct Line of Succession
King Charles ascended the throne in September 2022 following the death of his mother, Elizabeth II, and was crowned in May 2023. The line of succession begins with his eldest son and continues through his grandchildren.
Prince William, Prince of Wales: At 43 years old, Prince William is first in line to the throne. Formerly the Duke of Cambridge, he became the Prince of Wales after the Queen's death. When he becomes king, his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales, will be known as Queen Consort.
Prince George: The 12-year-old son of Prince William and Princess Kate is second in line and will be known as King George VII upon accession. His parents aim to provide him with as normal an upbringing as possible.
Princess Charlotte: Thanks to the 2013 amendment to the Succession to the Crown Act, which prioritizes eldest children regardless of sex, the 10-year-old Princess Charlotte is third in line, ahead of her younger brother.
Prince Louis: The seven-year-old third child of Prince William and Kate Middleton is currently fourth in line to the throne.
The Sussex Branch and Beyond
Prince Harry: As the second child of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, the 41-year-old Prince Harry is fifth in line. His wife, Meghan Markle, is not in the line of succession, but their two children are included.
Prince Archie Mountbatten-Windsor: The six-year-old first child of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is sixth in line.
Princess Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor: The four-year-old second child of Harry and Meghan is seventh in line. Her name honors the late Queen Elizabeth II, and her middle name, Diana, pays tribute to Harry's late mother.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and His Family
Despite relinquishing his Duke of York title in October and being stripped of his prince title and HRH style in November 2025, the 66-year-old remains eighth in line. He is the third child of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III's younger brother.
Princess Beatrice of York: The 37-year-old daughter of Andrew is ninth in line.
Miss Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi: Beatrice's four-year-old daughter is tenth in line.
Princess Eugenie of York: The 35-year-old younger sister of Beatrice is eleventh in line.
Master August Brooksbank: Eugenie's five-year-old son is twelfth in line.
Master Ernest Brooksbank: August's younger brother, born in May 2023, is thirteenth in line.
Extended Royal Family Members
Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh: At 61 years old, he is now fourteenth in line.
James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex: The 18-year-old youngest son of Prince Edward is fifteenth in line and the Queen's youngest grandchild.
The Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor: James's 22-year-old older sister is sixteenth in line.
The Princess Royal: Also known as Princess Anne, the 75-year-old is seventeenth in line.
Mr Peter Phillips: Princess Anne's 48-year-old eldest son is eighteenth in line.
Miss Savannah Phillips: Peter's 15-year-old eldest daughter is nineteenth in line.
Miss Isla Phillips: Princess Anne's 13-year-old youngest granddaughter is twentieth in line.
Zara Tindall: The Queen's eldest grandchild, aged 44, is twenty-first in line to the throne.
