The discriminatory 300 year rule of succession to the British throne outlined in the 1701 Act of Settlement, favours first born boys who take precedence over older female siblings. A younger brother inherits the throne if no older brother stands in line but sisters without brothers will see the eldest sister crowned.
The law was inspired by the need to prevent re-ascension of the Catholic Stuarts. Its abolition will sever an important Constitutional link reinforcing the Church of England's relationship with the state. Since 1981 there have been 11 attempts to change the law, all failed for lack of parliamentary support.
It has been declared old fashioned and unfair.
Ironically female British monarchs have been eminently more stable.
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