Outdated and “sexist” laws of succession must be changed following the announcement that Prince William and Kate Middleton are to marry, an MP has demanded.
Lorely Burt (Lib Dem Solihull) called for reform following the announcement that the Royal wedding is to be held next year.
Under the current rules, if the couple had a son and a daughter then the son would follow Prince William in the line of succession - even if the daughter was older.
The Act of Settlement of 1701 also prevents Catholics, or members of the Royal Family who choose to marry Catholics, from taking the throne.
Ms Burt has tabled a House of Commons motion calling for reforms to end discrimination based on gender or religion.
She said: “I believe that this presents the perfect time to look at our outdated process of succession. To say to the eldest child they might not inherit the throne simply because they are a girl is an insult to all women
“Furthermore, to forbid marriage to a Catholic to any royal who might accede to the throne has no place in a Britain which purports to treat people equally, regardless of sex or religion.
“I think it’s about time for our Royal family to enjoy the same freedoms and equalities as everyone else in Britain.”
Meanwhile, Meriden MP Caroline Spelman, the Environment Secretary, has revealed that she had the chance to congratulate Prince William’s grandmother in person, as the Queen hosted a reception for farmers and other people involved in rural life.
She said: “None of us present in Cabinet on Tuesday will forget how David read out the note announcing the engagement and the joy we all shared at the news. I was lucky enough to convey my congratulations to the Queen in person at Windsor Castle.”
MEP Michael Cashman has urged the British public use the occasion of the royal wedding as an opportunity to support the British ceramics industry.
He called on people to make sure their commemorative mugs, china and ceramics ware were made in Britain.
The Labour MEP said: “Royal weddings are occasions of national celebration and an opportunity to celebrate all that is good about being British. That is why we should all check to make sure that our commemorative mugs, plates and ceramic ware are made in Britain.”
