The British government is embarking on historic reforms of the
monarchy. The government is proposing to change the centuries-
old law of succession that automatically gives male children
precedence in inheriting the crown. For as far back as anyone
can remember, first-born male children have received preference
in royal succession. Remember, for example, Henry VIII’s
obsession with having a male heir. Among the British royals, the
boy gets the position even if there’s an older female sibling
who could assume the title. Known since feudal times as
primogeniture, the practice of favoring males was even codified
into law in the Settlement Act of 1700. Only when there is no
male heir at all is it possible for a Queen to assume the
throne. That’s why the current Queen Elizabeth is the monarch:
she had no male siblings. But male primogeniture is now very
likely to end. Parliament is moving towards altering the law of
succession. Last month, Prime Minister David Cameron sent a
letter supporting the reform to heads of