Holinshed is first careful to establish Richard's genealogy, the facts of which would serve as foundation for his legitimate claim to the throne. This doctrine held that it was the right of the eldest son or his immediate male heir to inherit the throne to the exclusion of the younger sons. These were the three fields upon which the young king would be expected to operate. Once crowned, Richard's right to rule and to have his commands obeyed was supported by the order of the entire universe, since it was believed that the king's power issued directly from God. Therefore, the king ruled by divine right, and it was this doctrine that served as Richard's primary weapon against Bolingbroke's attempt to usurp the throne.
Hereditary right is indefeasible .
The succession to monarchy is regulated by the law of primogeniture. The right acquired by birth cannot be forfeited through any acts of usurpation, of however long continuance, by any incapacity in the heir, or by any act of deposition. So long as the heir lives, he is king by hereditary right, even though the usurping dynasty has reigned for a thousand years. Monarchy is pure, the sovereignty being entirely vested in the king, whose power is incapable of legal limitation. All law is a mere concession of his will, and all constitutional forms and assemblies exist entirely at his pleasure.