Legal Definitions - jus coronae

Jus coronae refers to the established legal principle that dictates the order and right of succession to the British throne. It encompasses the rules, traditions, and laws that determine who inherits the Crown, ensuring a clear and continuous transfer of royal authority from one monarch to the next.

Here are some examples illustrating jus coronae:

• Example 1: The Accession of King Charles III

  When Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022, her eldest son, Charles, immediately became King Charles III. There was no need for an election or a special parliamentary vote; the transition of power was instantaneous and automatic.

  This event perfectly illustrates jus coronae. According to the long-standing rules of succession, the right to the Crown automatically passed to the next eligible heir upon the death of the reigning monarch, ensuring an unbroken line of sovereignty and the immediate continuity of the monarchy.

• Example 2: Changes to Succession Laws

  The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 introduced significant changes to the rules of succession, most notably ending male-preference primogeniture. This means that for those born after October 28, 2011, a younger son can no longer displace an older daughter in the line of succession. For instance, if Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, had a daughter before their son Archie, that daughter would now be ahead of Archie in the line of succession.

  This legislative change directly modified the application of jus coronae. While the fundamental right of the Crown to pass by succession remains, the specific criteria for determining the next eligible individual were updated, demonstrating how the rules governing this inherent right can evolve over time through parliamentary action.