The British monarchy family tree traces the line of succession from the present monarch, King Charles III, back through the House of Windsor and its predecessor dynasties to the Norman Conquest. The current family tree is headed by King Charles III, followed by his eldest son, William, Prince of Wales, and then William’s three children.
The House of Windsor: A 20th-Century Name
The family name Windsor was adopted in 1917 by King George V, who changed it from the German-sounding Saxe-Coburg and Gotha during World War I. This was a strategic move to distance the royal family from their German connections amidst anti-German sentiment. The House of Windsor has been the ruling royal house of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms ever since. Before 1917, the monarchy was known by the dynastic names of its ruling families, such as the House of Hanover and the House of Stuart.
The Line of Succession: Who Follows Whom
The line of succession is determined by descent, legitimacy, and religion. Since 2013, the Succession to the Crown Act ended the system of male-preference primogeniture, meaning elder children inherit before younger children regardless of sex. The first six people in the line of succession must be Protestant, and Roman Catholics are excluded from the throne. The current line of succession is as follows:
- 1. William, Prince of Wales (born 1982)
- 2. Prince George of Wales (born 2013)
- 3. Princess Charlotte of Wales (born 2015)
- 4. Prince Louis of Wales (born 2018)
- 5. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (born 1984)
- 6. Archie Mountbatten-Windsor (born 2019)
- 7. Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor (born 2021)
- 8. Prince Andrew, Duke of York (born 1960)
- 9. Princess Beatrice (born 1988)
- 10. Sienna Mapelli Mozzi (born 2021)
After these come Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, and his children, then Princess Anne and her descendants, and then the descendants of Princess Margaret, the late Queen’s sister.
Key Figures in the Modern Tree
The most significant figure in the modern tree is Queen Elizabeth II (1926–2022), who reigned for 70 years, the longest of any British monarch. She was succeeded by her eldest son, Charles III. Charles’s wife is Queen Camilla, who holds the title of Queen Consort. William, Prince of Wales, is married to Catherine, Princess of Wales; they have three children. Prince Harry, William’s younger brother, is married to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; they have two children.
Historical Dynasties: From Normans to Saxe-Coburg
The British monarchy family tree stretches back over a thousand years. The Norman dynasty began with William the Conqueror in 1066. This was followed by the Plantagenets (1154–1485), the Tudors (1485–1603), the Stuarts (1603–1714), the Hanoverians (1714–1901), and then the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1901–1917), which became Windsor. Each dynasty is linked by blood, marriage, or conquest. For example, the Tudors came to power after the Wars of the Roses, and the Stuarts unified the English and Scottish crowns in 1603.
How the Family Tree Is Documented
The official royal family tree is maintained by the Royal Household and published on the royal family’s website. It shows the descendants of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, as they are the ancestors of all modern Windsors. Genealogists also rely on records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as historical documents like the Domesday Book for earlier lines. The College of Arms in London is the authority on matters of lineage and heraldry.
Common Misconceptions About the Family Tree
One common misconception is that the royal family has a single surname. In fact, the royal family does not traditionally use a surname; they are known by their house name (Windsor) and their titles. However, descendants of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip who are not princes or princesses use the surname Mountbatten-Windsor. Another misconception is that the line of succession is purely based on age. While it is based on direct descent, legitimacy and religion also play a role. For instance, Roman Catholics are excluded, and illegitimate children cannot inherit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current head of the British monarchy family tree? The current head is King Charles III, who ascended to the throne on 8 September 2022 upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Why is Prince George ahead of his younger sister Charlotte? Under the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, succession is by absolute primogeniture, meaning that older children take precedence over younger siblings regardless of sex. Therefore, Prince George, as the eldest child of the Prince of Wales, is ahead of Princess Charlotte.
Can a Roman Catholic become monarch? No. The Act of Settlement 1701 excludes Roman Catholics from the line of succession. The monarch must be in communion with the Church of England. However, since 2015, a person who marries a Roman Catholic is no longer disqualified.
How far back does the official family tree go? The official royal family tree on the royal website goes back to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, but the monarchy itself traces its roots to the 9th century with the Anglo-Saxon kings. The direct line of succession is often traced to William the Conqueror in 1066.
What is the difference between the House of Windsor and the royal family? The House of Windsor is the royal house, a dynastic name, while the royal family includes all descendants of the monarch, including those who are not in the direct line of succession. For example, Princess Anne’s children are part of the royal family but are not in the house of Windsor; they belong to the family of her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.
Where to Find the Full Family Tree
For a complete and up-to-date family tree, the official website of the British royal family (royal.uk) provides a detailed chart. Many published books, such as Burke’s Peerage, also offer extensive genealogical information. These resources are useful for anyone wanting to trace the connections between historical and contemporary royals.
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