The Commonwealth is celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as festivities erupt across the UK and beyond to mark the Queen’s remarkable 70 years on the throne.
From pageants to street parties, the range of activities is varied and exciting, something for everyone to get involved in.
One thing that has become apparent though, through all the frivolity and joy and despite the outpouring of love for her, reminders about the Queen’s age are becoming ever-present.
On June 3 she had to pull out of the thanksgiving service held at St Paul’s Cathedral, something she had been looking forward to.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “The Queen greatly enjoyed today’s Birthday Parade and flypast but did experience some discomfort.
“Taking into account the journey and activity required to participate in tomorrow’s national service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, Her Majesty with great reluctance has concluded that she will not attend.”
With this in mind, what does the line of succession to the throne look like?
1. Charles, Prince of Wales
The next in line to the throne, Prince Charles will be crowned following the passing of the Queen.
Charles has had to be patient; at 73 years old he is already far from a young man, with grandchildren of his own.
His wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall has been named as Queen Consort by the current monarch when Charles ascends to the throne.
2. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge
It is likely that Prince William will at some point end up with the crown on his head, given the age of his father Charles.
William and his wife Kate - the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - are regarded by many as the future of the family and it will likely be their bloodline that the crown ends up going down.
3. Prince George of Cambridge
Also likely to be king at some point, Prince George is third in line to the throne as the eldest child of William and Kate.
If he has children of his own one day, it is likely his eldest will too one day become the heir to the throne.
4. Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
Princess Charlotte, while fourth in line to the throne at the time of writing, is unlikely to ever sit on the throne.
While she is currently high up on the list of people the crown could pass to, if George has children the line of succession would deviate toward them.
If George decides he does not want to be king before he has children, there is a chance Charlotte could end up on the throne.
5. Prince Louis of Cambridge
A new fan favourite after his facial expression heroics during the RAF flyby over Buckingham Palace, it is unlikely that George will find himself on the throne as he has all the barriers preventing Charlotte, plus the added pitfall of the line of succession deviating down her bloodline.
6. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
Prince Harry, for the same reason as Charlotte, is unlikely to ever be king, barring extreme circumstances affecting William and his bloodline.
The remaining top 10 heirs to the throne
- 7. Archie Mountbatten-Windsor
- 8. Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor
- 9. Prince Andrew, Duke of York
- 10. Princess Beatrice, Mrs Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
