Royal Succession Change in Britain Moves Closer

Draft legislation which will allow Prince William and his wife Catherine's first child to become monarch even if it is a girl took a step closer to becoming law on Monday.

The bill to end male precedence in the line of succession to the British throne cleared the upper house of parliament, the House of Lords.

The bill has been fast-tracked through both Houses of Parliament in just three months and now only requires the formality of royal assent to become law.

It ensures that younger sons will no longer displace daughters in the line of succession and permits an heir to the throne to marry a Catholic.

But the legislation still prevents Catholics from wearing the crown.

The changes will mean that if William and Catherine's first child, expected in July, is a girl, she can become monarch even if she later has younger brothers.

James Wallace, the Advocate General for Scotland, speaking on behalf of the government, said the aim of the bill was to ensure greater equality.

He confirmed the royal couple's child, irrespective of whether it was a boy or a girl, would take their place "in the line to the throne ahead of any subsequent siblings".

The change, which has strong public support, was agreed by Commonwealth leaders in October 2011, well before Catherine's pregnancy was revealed when she was forced to go to hospital in December last year with severe morning sickness.

William is second in line to the throne, behind his father Prince Charles.