Kings and queens to be equal in succession change

We had a sort of equality but then she wasn't a Catholic!

David Cameron has obviously been working on this regal pecking order for some time otherwise he would not have got an instant YES from the Commonwealth nations for whom the monarch is head of state. Equality rears its head to meet other issues. As usual, the devil will be in the detail. It all sounds so easy. One of the essences of British ways is the concept of fact and degree. The British like change to be gradual rather than come about like a slap in the face with a wet cod. What changes are proposed? Apparently that the first born should inherit, whether a boy or a girl and that if the first born was a boy but died without issue that the second born should inherit whether a boy or a girl. This change affects all 16 countries. The next set of changes regards religion and that only really affects England. The monarch should be a communicant member of the Church of England as should the spouse and the monarch is specifically banned from being a Roman Catholic or married to one. This latter bit David Cameron would like to overturn. The chances of a future heir to the throne wanting to marry a Roman Catholic are relatively high. In fact, I'd put it at the top of the list for non C of E intendeds. But we know that, for those in so-called mixed marriages, it is required that the Catholic partner does their very best to raise their children in the Catholic Faith. Does the change suggest that a spouse may now be a Catholic but only discreetly in private. Is a "we don't do religion" clause going to be inserted in the proposed legislation?

Interestingly, Alex Salmond, chief populist of Scotland, has come out saying that "it was "deeply disappointing" that Roman Catholics were still unable to ascend to the throne". Yet he has been deeply disappointing to Christians of all denominations by cheekily bating them over same-sex unions in their churches! He really does not have a clue!

David Cameron says, "Let me be clear, the monarch must be in communion with the Church of England because he or she is the head of that Church". Actually, Supreme Governor, which is something different. The Archbishop of Canterbury is head. That aside, this is tinkering with the stones of the temple. It is not going to achieve either "equality" or an antedote to perceived discrimination.

It will be curate's egg legislation. And as such the deliberations in parliament may take some time. One wonders if the prime minister has asked the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to put the creation of a family on hold. This has not be thought through. When legislation does eventually come, will a three line whip be implemented? Unseemly haste all round!

Posted in: Church of England,monarchy,Royal Succession