A Modern Union that Endures

de bene esse: literally, of well-being, morally acceptable but subject to future validation or exception


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The 1772 Royal Marriages Act came to be when The Duke of Cumberland, brother to King George III secretly married Lady Anne Horton, a woman the King believed was of disreputable character.  The Act insists prior permission be granted from the monarch by members of the royal family hoping to marry.

Therefore Prince William sought his grandmother's assent to ask for Kate's hand.  The Queen has not vetoed any of her relatives' marriage choices so far and would do so only in line with the Prime Minister's objection, it is held.

The 1701 Act of Settlement ensures no Roman Catholic becomes the monarch or marries one - the result of both childless and ill King Edward III, who did not want his exiled Catholic rival James II to ascend after his death.  At that time to be King of England - due to Henry VIII machinations - meant he was ruler of England and Supreme Governor of the Anglican Church.

So, Kate is not Catholic, check.  Nor does she have to be royal or aristocratic, British or of Commonwealth citizenship to become his princess.  Being Muslim, Jewish or an aetheist would not disqualify her either.