Facts About Royal Births That Will Astound You

The existence of the present brings out the hardships of history. The history of the royal family has built the foundation of where they are standing right now, though changes have been made to the traces of the greatness of their history. As we all know, the royal family has been living with a set of rules set as their standpoint in every decision that affects their personal well-being as well as their commitment to the people of the United Kingdom such as the following:

Marrying Commoners in British Royals

The subject of marrying a commoner in a royal family has always been controversial. This subject has been happening as early as the 15th century wherein King Edward IV secretly married commoner and widow Elizabeth Woodville. As the royal family did not escape from the societal issues of marriage such as divorce and shifting of partners, they decided to allow the marrying of the commoner from the children of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. 

The First King of England

Athelstan was the first king of England in the years 895-939 AD, of the House of Wessex.  He is the grandson of Alfred the Great, King of the West Saxons, and the 30th great-granduncle of the one and only, Queen Elizabeth. He conquered the last Viking Invaders and united Britain.

Divorce in Royal Family   

Having a divorce has been rough for all people including the royal family. The Church of England first allowed divorced persons to remarry in 2002. Since the king happens to be the head of the Anglican Church, the heirs of the throne were barred from marrying divorced persons or being divorced. Eventually, the Royal Marriage Act of 1772 gave the king veto power over royal marriages.

Edward  VIII abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee. One of the most controversial happenings in the royal family is the divorce of Princess Diana and Prince Charles who was authorized by Queen Elizabeth II. in 2005, Prince Charles decided to marry Camilla Parker Bowles, who was also divorced. Harry married divorcee, Meghan Markle. 

People Who are Authorized to be the King or Queen

The reign of the crown started after William the Conqueror conquered England in 1066. The monarchy decided to pass the crown to the firstborn son. However, this was altered in the year 1702, when the Act of Settlement was implemented by the British Parliament. This act stated that it is allowed to give the title to a woman if there is no male heir in the bloodline. This act also ensures a Protestant succession to England’s throne and if in any means, someone in the heir married a Roman Catholic, they would be automatically be taken out from the line of succession. However, the Succession to the Crown amended the Act of Settlement in 2013. This act brings the endpoint of male primogeniture – which means, the throne will pass to the first-born child, regardless of their gender.