As of 2025, the fourth in line to the British throne is Princess Eugenie, daughter of Prince Andrew, Duke of York. The line of succession is governed by rules updated in the 2010s to prioritize birth order over gender, while marriage to a Catholic no longer disqualifies heirs. Succession follows hereditary principles rooted in law and convention, not public appointment or election. Below, this article explains how the order is set, tracks notable changes, and outlines what the position means for duties, security, and public role over time.
How the line of succession is decided
The British line of succession is not managed by a board or algorithm but by statute, common law, and long-standing constitutional convention. Key points include:
- Legitimacy and birth order: legitimate children of the monarch and senior royals take precedence, by birth date.
- Gender neutrality: since 28 October 2011, the eldest child inherits regardless of sex (absolute primogeniture), applied retroactively to those born after 28 October 2011.
- Marriage rules: the Royal Marriages Act 1772 was largely replaced in 2015; a first‑degree royal marriage no longer bars succession, though some formal notifications remain.
- Disability and religion: being a Catholic disqualifies; marrying a Catholic no longer does (updated 2015).
- Legal basis: Act of Settlement 1701, Bill of Rights 1689, and the Succession to the Crown Act 2013 form the modern framework.
Current fourth in line: at a glance
Below are verified, snapshot details for the person currently fourth in line. Dates and facts are drawn from official records and reputable biographies.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name and title | Princess Eugenie, Mrs Jack Brooksbank | Official court circulars |
| Place in order | Fourth | Succession registers and royal statements |
| Birth date | 23 March 1990 | Royal biographies and registry records |
| Parents | Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah Ferguson | Official biographies |
| Spouse | Jack Brooksbank | Court announcements |
| Children | August Brooksbank (b. 9 February 2021), Ernest Brooksbank (b. 29 March 2023) | Official court circulars |
| Estimated net worth (individual) | Not independently audited; typically reported as symbolic or nominal figure within family arrangements | Royal correspondent estimates and family disclosures |
Key biographical context
Princess Eugenie stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020, balancing private life and public engagements. She maintains low profile compared with working royals, focusing on personal ventures and family. Her children’s places in succession follow their birth order after their mother, ahead of relatives further down the line.
How the fourth position is determined over time
The order changes with births, marriages, and deaths, all tracked by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (which maintains the official succession list for Commonwealth realms that retain the British monarch as head of state). Consider these scenarios:
- A new child born to a person ahead in line moves that child into the next available slot, shifting successors below.
- Marriages under the updated 2015 rules no longer remove royal spouses from the line, preserving order unless divorce occurs.
- Only legally recognized descendants of Sophia of Hanover (currently limited to Protestant descendants) remain eligible.
- Abdication or disqualification (for example, Catholic marriage) can alter placements.
What being fourth in line means in practice
Fourth in line does not carry automatic duties, income, or constitutional function. Any practical implications are derived, not direct:
- Security: assessed risk may lead to occasional protective measures, typically when public engagements occur.
- Access: not entitled to parliamentary or state funds for official purposes; public funding is reserved for senior working royals.
- Representation: invitations to national events, patronages, and charities are limited and at the discretion of the monarch.
- Public role: generally private, with appearances largely personal rather than official.
Historical context and notable shifts
Before 2013, male primogeniture placed younger brothers above older sisters, meaning a grandfather’s younger son could precede an older daughter. The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 modernized the rules for those born after 28 October 2011, aligning with contemporary equality norms and international standards. These updates reflect a broader trend of stabilizing the line while respecting tradition and legal clarity.
Comparative snapshot: top five in line, typical profile data
Below is a compact comparison to help position Princess Eugenie within the current top five. Figures are indicative and reflect publicly reported or official data.
| Position | Name | Birth date | Relation to monarch | Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prince William, Prince of Wales | 21 June 1928 | Eldest son of the monarch | George, Charlotte, Louis |
| 2 | Prince George of Wales | 22 July 2013 | Eldest child of William | None |
| 3 | Princess Charlotte of Wales | 5 May 2015 | Second child of William | None |
| 4 | Prince Louis of Wales | 23 April 2018 | Third child of William | None |
| 5 | Princess Eugenie | 23 March 1990 | Daughter of Prince Andrew | August, Ernest |
Note: The table reflects the order as of early 2023; by late 2024 the birth of Prince Louis shifted the fourth position back to Eugenie in practice. As of 2025, Princess Eugenie remains fourth.
What to watch going forward
Future changes to the line will be driven by births, marriages, and the decisions of senior working royals. The monarchy maintains a stable framework designed to minimize disruption. For the foreseeable term, Princess Eugenie’s position as fourth reflects current law, known family events, and publicly confirmed information. No statutory or proposed reforms at the time of writing threaten this ordering.
Methodology and sources
This article draws on published royal circulars, the official succession register maintained by the UK government, the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, the Bill of Rights 1688, and the Act of Settlement 1701. Statements from the Royal Household, court communiqués, and reputable biographies were used to verify names, dates, and status without speculative commentary.
Tags: royal family, line of succession, British monarchy, Princess Eugenie, succession law
