How Princess Anne Could Have Become Queen Thanks To 'An Unusual Opportunity'

When it comes to which member of the British royal family will earn what title, there is a long history of tradition and protocol that must be adhered to. Due to these formalities, Princess Charlotte could potentially pick up a "prestigious title" and in a certain instance Camilla Parker Bowles could obtain a higher title than Prince Philip. However, another unique opportunity could afford Princess Anne the chance to become Queen. What is it?

According to Express, an important piece of legislation passed in 2013 that "presented an unusual opportunity for Princess Anne to become closer to being Queen herself one day."

What new rule could be so influential? The Succession to the Throne Act of 2013 made several changes to the monarchy, including altering the rules regarding male preference primogeniture. This means that as of its passing in 2013, female heirs would be able to take their place in the line of succession in birth order.

READ: Kate Middleton, Duchess Of Cambridge Might Not Become The Queen After All

Upon becoming law, it did not apply retrospectively. Per the publication, this meant that Princess Anne's position in the line of succession was not changed. However, had the UK and other Commonwealth Realms wanted to, they could have applied the ruling to earlier dates.

Thus, the Princess Royal "would have been elevated above her younger brother and her own offspring would have also seen a corresponding rise in their position in the line of succession," as stated by Professor Neil Parpworth in the 2013 Modern Law Review.

Had the aforementioned changes been implemented, Anne would have taken Prince Andrew's current spot, number eight. Additionally, she would have been right behind baby Archie Harrison, who has an interesting title himself.