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Royal succession reform is being discussed, Clegg says Royal succession reform is being discussed, Clegg says
(about 1 hour later)
The government is consulting Commonwealth countries about changing the laws on royal succession, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said.The government is consulting Commonwealth countries about changing the laws on royal succession, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said.
At present, the law of primogeniture means male heirs accede to the throne before any older sisters.At present, the law of primogeniture means male heirs accede to the throne before any older sisters.
Mr Clegg, who is responsible for constitutional reform, told the BBC the issue would "require careful thought".Mr Clegg, who is responsible for constitutional reform, told the BBC the issue would "require careful thought".
But he said both he and David Cameron were "sympathetic" to changing rules which seemed "a little old fashioned".But he said both he and David Cameron were "sympathetic" to changing rules which seemed "a little old fashioned".
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Clegg said: "Prince William and Catherine Middleton might have a baby daughter for instance as their first child, I think most people in this day and age would think it's worth considering whether we change the rules so that that baby girl then could become the future monarch.Speaking to the BBC, Mr Clegg said: "Prince William and Catherine Middleton might have a baby daughter for instance as their first child, I think most people in this day and age would think it's worth considering whether we change the rules so that that baby girl then could become the future monarch.
"I think that would be in keeping with the changes that happen in society as a whole.""I think that would be in keeping with the changes that happen in society as a whole."
It is an ancient discriminatory law, which despite plenty of talk, has remained resolutely unchanged on the statue book.
Nick Clegg is the latest politician to enter the "lion's den" that is the 1701 Act of Settlement. He acknowledges any reform won't be straightforward and won't take place overnight - not least because it would require fresh legislation in the 15 other countries where the Queen is head of state.
And if you tinker with succession, you have to address what one Scottish cardinal has called "state sponsored sectarianism" - the three centuries old law which bans a monarch from being a Roman Catholic or marrying one.
With sources close to Mr Clegg stressing this isn't a political priority, it's likely we'll still be discussing this issue when Kate Middleton gives birth to her first child - especially if it is a girl.
But he said it was not a "straightforward" process because the decision would have to be approved by all Commonwealth countries.But he said it was not a "straightforward" process because the decision would have to be approved by all Commonwealth countries.
"It's something that affects other countries - New Zealand, Canada, Australia and so on - and we're having consultations at official level with those governments," he said."It's something that affects other countries - New Zealand, Canada, Australia and so on - and we're having consultations at official level with those governments," he said.
"My own personal view is that in this day and age the idea that only a man should ascend to the throne I think would strike most people as a little old-fashioned."My own personal view is that in this day and age the idea that only a man should ascend to the throne I think would strike most people as a little old-fashioned.
"I think it is worth thinking about, I think it is worth talking about. It is worth looking at what other countries that would be affected also feel on the subject," he added."I think it is worth thinking about, I think it is worth talking about. It is worth looking at what other countries that would be affected also feel on the subject," he added.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said it was a matter for the government and would not comment.A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said it was a matter for the government and would not comment.
The 1701 Act of Settlement which gives precedence to male heirs in the succession also bars any Catholic or anyone married to a Catholic from ascending the throne.The 1701 Act of Settlement which gives precedence to male heirs in the succession also bars any Catholic or anyone married to a Catholic from ascending the throne.