Who Would Have Been Next in Line for the Throne if Queen Elizabeth Had Died Without Leaving Heirs?

She did not get married and had no children, so what happened? Here is a look at the succession lines for both Queen Elizabeth I and II, and the fascinating line of succession should they have died without leaving heirs.

Queen Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I never married and had zero children. She famously was known as the Virgin Queen and she never declared an heir. After her death in 1603, King James VI of Scotland succeeded to the English throne and became King James I of England. This was a pivotal moment in the history of England as it led to the uniting of the English and Scottish thrones.

During Elizabeth I's reign, the succession was dictated by her father's will. After the Queen, the line of succession was as follows: Lady Katherine Grey, Lady Mary Grey, and Lady Margaret Clifford. Lady Katherine attempted to marry without the Queen's permission and her marriage was declared invalid. Lady Mary wed without permission and was subsequently separated from her husband. Lady Margaret died before the Queen, and her children were ignored in favor of James VI of Scotland.

Queen Elizabeth II

In the case of Queen Elizabeth II, her heir would have been her younger sister, Princess Margaret. Should Margaret have predeceased her, the next in line would have been Margaret's son, David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon. He would have ascended the throne under the current laws of succession.

Edification and Historical Context

It is fascinating to explore the historical context and legal processes that determined the line of succession, especially in times where the monarch had neither a spouse nor children. These laws and pedigrees play a crucial role in the political and social history of England and other monarchies.

Conclusion

While today we are fortunate to have a rich lineage of British monarchs, the historical line of succession offers a glimpse into the intricate and sometimes unpredictable nature of royal lineage. Understanding who would have been next in line helps us appreciate the complexity and depth of royal history.