Queen Elizabeth II’s death led to her eldest son ascending the throne, becoming King Charles III.

Queen Elizabeth II photographed in 2015 with her immediate successors, from left: Prince Charles, the Queen, Prince George and Prince William. Photo: AFP
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II also led to other changes in the line of succession to the British royal throne.
British royal family tree. Photo: AFP
King Charles III was the first in the line of succession. Currently, Prince William replaces his father as the first in line to the throne, followed by the three children of the prince and Princess Kate. Of the more than 20 people at the top of the British royal family’s line of succession, children make up more than half.

According to NBC News, the rules of succession are varied and sometimes strict. According to the British royal family’s website, no member of the Roman Catholic Church can ascend to the throne. Until recently, those who married members of the Roman Catholic Church were also not allowed to inherit the throne. 

The diagram below shows the line of succession in the British royal family, from leading members such as Prince William and eldest son Prince George, to lesser-known members of the family such as Lucas Tindall (standing 23rd in line of succession).

Order of succession to the throne in the British royal family. Screenshots