Could Prince George Be Crowned King As A Child?

Is it possible for Prince George to be crowned king as a child and take over the throne? This question isn't often asked considering that Queen Elizabeth II is still alive, and there is Prince Charles and Prince William to succeed the crown before him.

The simple answer to the question of Prince George being able to rule as a child is no. While there have been cases throughout history of children taking over the throne, it is not possible for Prince George to actually do kingly duties before reaching the age of majority. According to The National Archives, the United Kingdom created the Regency Act which prevents a minor from ruling back in 1937.

The Regency Act doesn't prevent minors from ascending the throne, but it does give the child the chance to grow up a little more before they need to take on kingly duties. According to the Archives, his or her royal functions will be “performed in the name and on behalf of the Sovereign by a Regent.”

Regencies were established for special cases wherein the sitting ruler is not able to fulfill his duties either because they are incapacitated or a minor, according to Merriam-Webster. The regent, without actually holding the title of king or queen, would step in and perform the duties required of a monarch.

"Game of Thrones" fans would be familiar with this concept as this was why Cersei had all the power even though her children were officially crowned king.

At the moment, the only way Prince George, who is currently third in line for the throne, would be crowned king is if his great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, grandfather Prince Charles, who is her heir, and father Prince William would all pass away.

But should anything happen to them before he turns 18, it is likely that his uncle, Prince Harry, would take over his duties as regent. A regent must be in line for the throne already, be over 21 years old and reside in England, all qualities that Prince Harry has.

But it is possible that the Regency Act may be put into effect in the near future, according to Daily Mail. Queen Elizabeth II, who is now 92, has reportedly told some people close to her that if she is still alive at 95, then she will put the Regency Act into action.

The outlet noted that Queen Elizabeth may also choose to retire before she dies and pass the crown to Prince Charles. But this action is considered somewhat distasteful among the British royal family.

There have also been rumors claiming that Queen Elizabeth may skip Prince Charles and make Prince William her heir, but there is absolutely no truth behind these speculations. As People pointed out, the monarch doesn't have the power to choose who takes the throne as the order of succession was set by Parliament in the 1701 Act of Settlement. It would take another Parliament to change the terms already established.