List of heirs to the English throne

This is a list of the individuals who were, at any given time, considered the next in line to inherit the throne of England, should the incumbent monarch die. Those who actually succeeded (at any future time) are shown in bold. Stillborn children and infants surviving less than a month are not included.
It may be noted that the succession was highly uncertain, and was not governed by a fixed convention, for much of the century after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Significant breaks in the succession, where the designated heir did not in fact succeed (due to usurpation, conquest, revolution, or lack of heirs) are shown as breaks in the table below.
The symbols +1, +2, etc. are to be read "once (twice, etc.) removed in descendancy", i.e., the child or grandchild (etc.) of a cousin of the degree specified. The symbols −1, −2, etc. indicate the converse relationship, i.e., the cousin of a parent or grandparent (etc.).
== 1066 to 1135: The Normans ==
Heir 	Status 	Relationship to Monarch 	Became heir 	Reason 	Ceased to be heir 	Reason 	Monarch
No recognised heir 1066–1087"William had made no explicit arrangements for the succession beyond the designation of Robert as his heir in Normandy."	No recognised heir 1066–1087"William had made no explicit arrangements for the succession beyond the designation of Robert as his heir in Normandy."	No recognised heir 1066–1087"William had made no explicit arrangements for the succession beyond the designation of Robert as his heir in Normandy."	No recognised heir 1066–1087"William had made no explicit arrangements for the succession beyond the designation of Robert as his heir in Normandy."	No recognised heir 1066–1087"William had made no explicit arrangements for the succession beyond the designation of Robert as his heir in Normandy." 	No recognised heir 1066–1087"William had made no explicit arrangements for the succession beyond the designation of Robert as his heir in Normandy."	No recognised heir 1066–1087"William had made no explicit arrangements for the succession beyond the designation of Robert as his heir in Normandy."	William I
William Rufus 	Heir apparent 	Second son 	7 September 1087 	Proclaimed heir; 	26 September 1087 	Became king 	William I
No recognised heir 1087–1100 	No recognised heir 1087–1100 	No recognised heir 1087–1100 	No recognised heir 1087–1100 	No recognised heir 1087–1100 	No recognised heir 1087–1100 	No recognised heir 1087–1100 	William II
No recognised heir 1100–1116 	No recognised heir 1100–1116 	No recognised heir 1100–1116 	No recognised heir 1100–1116 	No recognised heir 1100–1116 	No recognised heir 1100–1116 	No recognised heir 1100–1116 	Henry I
William Adelin, Duke of Normandy 	Heir apparent 	Son 	19 March 1116 	Proclaimed heirciting Eadmer, Historia Novorum, 237, William of Malmesbury, Chronicle of the kings of England, p. 454 and John of Worcester, Chronicon ex chronicis, iii, 138	25 November 1120 	Died 	Henry I
No recognised heir 1120–1126 	No recognised heir 1120–1126 	No recognised heir 1120–1126 	No recognised heir 1120–1126 	No recognised heir 1120–1126 	No recognised heir 1120–1126 	No recognised heir 1120–1126 	Henry I
Empress Matilda, Countess of Anjou 	Heiress presumptive 	Daughter 	25 December 1126 	Proclaimed heiress 	22 December 1135 	Throne usurped by cousin Stephen of Blois 	Henry I
== 1135 to 1154: The Blois ==
Heir 	Status 	Relationship to Monarch 	Became heir 	Reason 	Ceased to be heir 	Reason 	Monarch
No recognised heir 1135–1152 	No recognised heir 1135–1152 	No recognised heir 1135–1152 	No recognised heir 1135–1152 	No recognised heir 1135–1152 	No recognised heir 1135–1152 	No recognised heir 1135–1152 	Stephen
Eustace IV, Count of Boulogne 	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	6 April 1152 	Proclaimed heir 	17 August 1153 	Died 	Stephen
No recognised heir Aug–Nov 1153 	No recognised heir Aug–Nov 1153	No recognised heir Aug–Nov 1153	No recognised heir Aug–Nov 1153	No recognised heir Aug–Nov 1153	No recognised heir Aug–Nov 1153	No recognised heir Aug–Nov 1153	Stephen
Henry Curtmantle, Duke of Normandy	Heir apparent 	1st cousin +1 	6 November 1153 	Treaty of Wallingford 	19 December 1154 	Became king 	Stephen
== 1154 to 1399: Plantagenets ==
Heir 	Status 	Relationship to Monarch 	Became heir 	Reason 	Ceased to be heir 	Reason 	Monarch 	
No recognised heir 1154–1155 	No recognised heir 1154–1155 	No recognised heir 1154–1155 	No recognised heir 1154–1155 	No recognised heir 1154–1155 	No recognised heir 1154–1155 	No recognised heir 1154–1155 	Henry II 	
William IX, Count of Poitiers 	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	3 April 1155 	Proclaimed heir 	April 1156 	Died 	Henry II 	
Henry the Young King 	Heir apparent 	Son 	April 1156 	Brother died 	11 June 1183 	Died 	Henry II 	
No recognised heir 1183–1189 	No recognised heir 1183–1189 	No recognised heir 1183–1189 	No recognised heir 1183–1189 	No recognised heir 1183–1189 	No recognised heir 1183–1189 	No recognised heir 1183–1189 	Henry II 	
Richard "the Lionheart", Duke of Aquitaine 	Heir apparent 	Son 	4 July 1189 	Proclaimed heir 	3 September 1189 	Became king 	Henry II 	
No recognised heir 1189–1190 	No recognised heir 1189–1190 	No recognised heir 1189–1190 	No recognised heir 1189–1190 	No recognised heir 1189–1190 	No recognised heir 1189–1190 	No recognised heir 1189–1190 	Richard I 	
Arthur I, Duke of Brittany 	Heir presumptive 	Nephew 	11 November 1190 	Proclaimed heir 	27 May 1199 	Throne usurped by John 	Richard I 	
No recognised heir 1199–1207 	No recognised heir 1199–1207 	No recognised heir 1199–1207 	No recognised heir 1199–1207 	No recognised heir 1199–1207 	No recognised heir 1199–1207 	No recognised heir 1199–1207 	John 	
Henry of Winchester 	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	1 October 1207 	Born 	28 October 1216 	Became king 	John 	
Richard, Earl of Cornwall 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	28 October 1216 	Brother became king 	17 June 1239 	Son born to king 	Henry III 	
Edward "Longshanks", Lord of Chester 	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	17 June 1239 	Born 	20 November 1272 	Became king 	Henry III 	
Henry 	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	20 November 1272 	Father became king 	16 October 1274 	Died 	Edward I 	
Alphonso, Earl of Chester 	Heir apparent 	Son 	16 October 1274 	Brother died 	19 August 1284 	Died 	Edward I 	
Edward of Caernarfon, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Son 	19 August 1284 	Brother died 	7 July 1307 	Became king 	Edward I 	
Thomas of Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	7 July 1307 	Brother became king 	13 November 1312 	Son born to king 	Edward II 	
Edward of Windsor, Earl of Chester 	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	13 November 1312 	Born 	25 January 1327 	Became king 	Edward II 	
John of Eltham, Earl of Cornwall 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	25 January 1327 	Brother became king 	15 June 1330 	Son born to king 	Edward III 	
Edward "the Black Prince", Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	15 June 1330 	Born 	8 June 1376 	Died 	Edward III 	
Richard of Bordeaux, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Grandson 	8 June 1376 	Father died 	21 June 1377 	Became king 	Edward III 	
Since Richard II (1377–1399) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among the heirs established under the will of Edward III and heirs by cognatic primogeniture. The will entailed the throne on the heirs male. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Richard II (1377–1399) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among the heirs established under the will of Edward III and heirs by cognatic primogeniture. The will entailed the throne on the heirs male. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Richard II (1377–1399) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among the heirs established under the will of Edward III and heirs by cognatic primogeniture. The will entailed the throne on the heirs male. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Richard II (1377–1399) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among the heirs established under the will of Edward III and heirs by cognatic primogeniture. The will entailed the throne on the heirs male. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Richard II (1377–1399) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among the heirs established under the will of Edward III and heirs by cognatic primogeniture. The will entailed the throne on the heirs male. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Richard II (1377–1399) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among the heirs established under the will of Edward III and heirs by cognatic primogeniture. The will entailed the throne on the heirs male. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Richard II (1377–1399) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among the heirs established under the will of Edward III and heirs by cognatic primogeniture. The will entailed the throne on the heirs male. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Richard II (1377–1399) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among the heirs established under the will of Edward III and heirs by cognatic primogeniture. The will entailed the throne on the heirs male. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Richard II (1377–1399) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among the heirs established under the will of Edward III and heirs by cognatic primogeniture. The will entailed the throne on the heirs male. The following are the leaders of both lines:
John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster 	Potential heirs by the will of Edward III 	Uncle 	21 June 1377 	Nephew became king 	3 February 1399 	Died 	Richard II 	
Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Lancaster 	Potential heirs by the will of Edward III 	1st cousin 	3 February 1399 	Father died 	30 September 1399 	Became king 	Richard II 	
Philippa, Countess of Ulster 	Potential heirs by cognatic primogeniture 	1st cousin 	21 June 1377 	Cousin became king 	5 January 1382 	Died 	Richard II 	
Roger Mortimer, Earl of March 	Potential heirs by cognatic primogeniture 	1st cousin +1 	5 January 1382 	Mother died 	20 July 1398 	Died 	Richard II 	
Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March 	Potential heirs by cognatic primogeniture 	1st cousin +2 	20 July 1398 	Father died 	30 September 1399 	Succession of new king 	Richard II 	
== 1399 to 1461: The Lancasters ==
Heir 	Status 	Relationship to Monarch	Became heir 	Reason 	Ceased to be heir	Reason 	Monarch
Henry of Monmouth, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	30 September 1399	Father became king 	20 March 1413 	Became king 	Henry IV
Thomas, Duke of Clarence 	Heir presumptive	Younger brother 	20 March 1413 	Brother became king	22 March 1421 	Died 	Henry V
John, Duke of Bedford 	Heir presumptive	Younger brother 	22 March 1421 	Brother died 	6 December 1421 	Son born to king	Henry V
Henry, Duke of Cornwall 	Heir apparent 	Son 	6 December 1421 	Born 	31 August 1422 	Became king 	Henry V
John, Duke of Bedford 	Heir presumptive	Uncle 	31 August 1422 	Nephew became king 	14 September 1435	Died 	Henry VI
Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester 	Heir presumptive	Uncle 	14 September 1435	Brother died 	23 February 1447 	Died 	Henry VI
Richard, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive	2nd cousin −1 	23 February 1447 	2nd cousin died 	13 October 1453 	Son born to king	Henry VI
Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales	Heir apparent 	Son 	13 October 1453 	Born 	25 October 1460 	Act of Accord 	Henry VI
Richard, Duke of York 	Heir apparent 	2nd cousin −1 	25 October 1460 	Act of Accord 	30 December 1460 	Died 	Henry VI
Edward, Duke of York 	Heir apparent 	3rd cousin 	30 December 1460 	Father died 	4 March 1461 	Became king 	Henry VI
== 1461 to 1470: The Yorks ==
Heir 	Status 	Relationship to Monarch 	Became heir 	Reason 	Ceased to be heir 	Reason 	Monarch
George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence(Disputed from 1466 onward)As Edward IV had based his right to throne on being the heir general of Edward III through male-preference primogeniture, it has been argued that George was displaced as heir by his niece, Edwards oldest daughter, Elizabeth, upon her birth in 1466. Despite this, Edward, still hoping for the eventual birth of a son, never formerly named her as heir.	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	4 March 1461 	Brother became king 	31 March 1470 	Proclaimed traitor 	Edward IV
No recognised heir Mar-Oct 1470Edward IV's wife was pregnant, so the succession could not be determined until the baby was born. See Posthumous birth#In monarchies and nobilities. 	No recognised heir Mar-Oct 1470Edward IV's wife was pregnant, so the succession could not be determined until the baby was born. See Posthumous birth#In monarchies and nobilities.	No recognised heir Mar-Oct 1470Edward IV's wife was pregnant, so the succession could not be determined until the baby was born. See Posthumous birth#In monarchies and nobilities.	No recognised heir Mar-Oct 1470Edward IV's wife was pregnant, so the succession could not be determined until the baby was born. See Posthumous birth#In monarchies and nobilities.	No recognised heir Mar-Oct 1470Edward IV's wife was pregnant, so the succession could not be determined until the baby was born. See Posthumous birth#In monarchies and nobilities.	No recognised heir Mar-Oct 1470Edward IV's wife was pregnant, so the succession could not be determined until the baby was born. See Posthumous birth#In monarchies and nobilities.	No recognised heir Mar-Oct 1470Edward IV's wife was pregnant, so the succession could not be determined until the baby was born. See Posthumous birth#In monarchies and nobilities.	Edward IV
== 1470 to 1471: The Lancasters ==
Heir 	Status 	Relationship to Monarch	Became heir 	Reason 	Ceased to be heir	Reason 	Monarch
Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales	Heir apparent	Eldest son 	3 October 1470	Father restored as king	11 April 1471 	Father deposed	Henry VI
== 1471 to 1485: The Yorks ==
Heir 	Status 	Relationship to Monarch 	Became heir 	Reason 	Ceased to be heir 	Reason 	Monarch
Edward, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	11 April 1471 	Father restored as king 	9 April 1483 	Became king 	Edward IV
Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	9 April 1483 	Brother became king 	25 June 1483 	Declared illegitimate 	Edward V
Edward of Middleham, Prince of Wales	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	26 June 1483 	Father became king 	9 April 1484 	Died 	Richard III
No recognised heir 1484–1485 	No recognised heir 1484–1485	No recognised heir 1484–1485	No recognised heir 1484–1485	No recognised heir 1484–1485	No recognised heir 1484–1485	No recognised heir 1484–1485	Richard III
== 1485 to 1603: The Tudors ==
Heir 	Status 	Relationship to Monarch 	Became heir 	Reason 	Ceased to be heir 	Reason 	Monarch
No recognised heir 1485–1486 	No recognised heir 1485–1486 	No recognised heir 1485–1486 	No recognised heir 1485–1486 	No recognised heir 1485–1486 	No recognised heir 1485–1486 	No recognised heir 1485–1486 	Henry VII
Arthur, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	20 September 1486 	Born 	2 April 1502 	Died 	Henry VII
Henry, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Son 	2 April 1502 	Brother died 	22 April 1509 	Became king 	Henry VII
Margaret, Queen of Scotland 	Heiress presumptive 	Sister 	22 April 1509 	Brother became king 	1 January 1511 	Son born to king 	Henry VIII
Henry, Duke of Cornwall 	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	1 January 1511 	Born 	23 February 1511 	Died 	Henry VIII
Margaret, Queen of Scotland 	Heiress presumptive 	Sister 	23 February 1511 	Nephew died 	18 February 1516 	Daughter born to king 	Henry VIII
Mary Tudor 	Heiress presumptive 	Eldest daughter 	18 February 1516 	Born 	23 March 1534 	First Succession Act 	Henry VIII
Elizabeth Tudor 	Heiress presumptive 	Daughter 	23 March 1534 	First Succession Act 	8 June 1536 	Second Succession Act 	Henry VIII
No recognised heir 1536–1537Section 18 of Second Succession Act 	No recognised heir 1536–1537Section 18 of Second Succession Act 	No recognised heir 1536–1537Section 18 of Second Succession Act 	No recognised heir 1536–1537Section 18 of Second Succession Act 	No recognised heir 1536–1537Section 18 of Second Succession Act 	No recognised heir 1536–1537Section 18 of Second Succession Act 	No recognised heir 1536–1537Section 18 of Second Succession Act 	Henry VIII
Edward, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Son 	12 October 1537 	Born 	28 January 1547 	Became king 	Henry VIII
Mary Tudor 	Heiress presumptive 	Elder half-sister 	28 January 1547 	Half-brother became king 	21 June 1553 	Excluded by letters patentWill of King Edward VI 	Edward VI
Lady Jane Grey 	Heiress presumptive 	1st cousin +1 	21 June 1553 	Named in letters patent"the said imperial crowne ... shall remaine come and be to the Lady Jane, eldest daughter of the said Lady Frances" 	6 July 1553 	Proclaimed queen 	Edward VI
Upon the death of Edward VI, the succession was disputed between his sister Mary, the heir by primogeniture and the Third Succession Act, and Lady Jane Grey, whom Edward had named his heir. Since Jane Grey's short reign is a matter of dispute, so are her heirs. 	Upon the death of Edward VI, the succession was disputed between his sister Mary, the heir by primogeniture and the Third Succession Act, and Lady Jane Grey, whom Edward had named his heir. Since Jane Grey's short reign is a matter of dispute, so are her heirs. 	Upon the death of Edward VI, the succession was disputed between his sister Mary, the heir by primogeniture and the Third Succession Act, and Lady Jane Grey, whom Edward had named his heir. Since Jane Grey's short reign is a matter of dispute, so are her heirs. 	Upon the death of Edward VI, the succession was disputed between his sister Mary, the heir by primogeniture and the Third Succession Act, and Lady Jane Grey, whom Edward had named his heir. Since Jane Grey's short reign is a matter of dispute, so are her heirs. 	Upon the death of Edward VI, the succession was disputed between his sister Mary, the heir by primogeniture and the Third Succession Act, and Lady Jane Grey, whom Edward had named his heir. Since Jane Grey's short reign is a matter of dispute, so are her heirs. 	Upon the death of Edward VI, the succession was disputed between his sister Mary, the heir by primogeniture and the Third Succession Act, and Lady Jane Grey, whom Edward had named his heir. Since Jane Grey's short reign is a matter of dispute, so are her heirs. 	Upon the death of Edward VI, the succession was disputed between his sister Mary, the heir by primogeniture and the Third Succession Act, and Lady Jane Grey, whom Edward had named his heir. Since Jane Grey's short reign is a matter of dispute, so are her heirs. 	Upon the death of Edward VI, the succession was disputed between his sister Mary, the heir by primogeniture and the Third Succession Act, and Lady Jane Grey, whom Edward had named his heir. Since Jane Grey's short reign is a matter of dispute, so are her heirs.
Lady Katherine Grey 	Heiress presumptive(disputed) 	Younger sister 	6 July 1553 	Sister proclaimed queen 	19 July 1553 	Sister deposed 	Jane
Elizabeth Tudor 	Heiress presumptive 	Younger half-sister 	6 July 1553 	Half-sister became queen 	17 November 1558 	Became queen 	Mary I
Since Elizabeth I (1558–1603) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among heirs of Henry VII by cognatic primogeniture and the heirs established under the will of Henry VIII. The document placed the granddaughters of the king's younger sister Mary after his children, while also disinheriting the descendants of his elder sister Margaret. However, as the will had been signed by a dry stamp rather than by the king's own hand, its legal force was questionable. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Elizabeth I (1558–1603) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among heirs of Henry VII by cognatic primogeniture and the heirs established under the will of Henry VIII. The document placed the granddaughters of the king's younger sister Mary after his children, while also disinheriting the descendants of his elder sister Margaret. However, as the will had been signed by a dry stamp rather than by the king's own hand, its legal force was questionable. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Elizabeth I (1558–1603) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among heirs of Henry VII by cognatic primogeniture and the heirs established under the will of Henry VIII. The document placed the granddaughters of the king's younger sister Mary after his children, while also disinheriting the descendants of his elder sister Margaret. However, as the will had been signed by a dry stamp rather than by the king's own hand, its legal force was questionable. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Elizabeth I (1558–1603) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among heirs of Henry VII by cognatic primogeniture and the heirs established under the will of Henry VIII. The document placed the granddaughters of the king's younger sister Mary after his children, while also disinheriting the descendants of his elder sister Margaret. However, as the will had been signed by a dry stamp rather than by the king's own hand, its legal force was questionable. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Elizabeth I (1558–1603) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among heirs of Henry VII by cognatic primogeniture and the heirs established under the will of Henry VIII. The document placed the granddaughters of the king's younger sister Mary after his children, while also disinheriting the descendants of his elder sister Margaret. However, as the will had been signed by a dry stamp rather than by the king's own hand, its legal force was questionable. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Elizabeth I (1558–1603) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among heirs of Henry VII by cognatic primogeniture and the heirs established under the will of Henry VIII. The document placed the granddaughters of the king's younger sister Mary after his children, while also disinheriting the descendants of his elder sister Margaret. However, as the will had been signed by a dry stamp rather than by the king's own hand, its legal force was questionable. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Elizabeth I (1558–1603) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among heirs of Henry VII by cognatic primogeniture and the heirs established under the will of Henry VIII. The document placed the granddaughters of the king's younger sister Mary after his children, while also disinheriting the descendants of his elder sister Margaret. However, as the will had been signed by a dry stamp rather than by the king's own hand, its legal force was questionable. The following are the leaders of both lines:	Since Elizabeth I (1558–1603) never designated an heir, the succession was disputed among heirs of Henry VII by cognatic primogeniture and the heirs established under the will of Henry VIII. The document placed the granddaughters of the king's younger sister Mary after his children, while also disinheriting the descendants of his elder sister Margaret. However, as the will had been signed by a dry stamp rather than by the king's own hand, its legal force was questionable. The following are the leaders of both lines:
Mary, Queen of Scots 	Potential heirs by cognatic primogeniture 	1st cousin +1Daughter of James V of Scotland, son of Margaret Tudor, elder daughter of Henry VII of England 	17 November 1558 	Cousin became queen 	8 February 1587 	Executed 	Elizabeth I
James VI of Scotland 	Potential heirs by cognatic primogeniture 	1st cousin +2Son of Mary, Queen of Scots, daughter of James V of Scotland, son of Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII of England 	8 February 1587 	Mother executed 	24 March 1603 	Became king 	Elizabeth I
Lady Katherine GreyWill of Henry VIII of England - "And if it shall fortune our said daughter, Elizabeth, to die without issue of her body lawfully begotten, ... we will that the said imperial crown ... shall wholly remain and come to the heirs of the body of the Lady Frances, our niece, eldest daughter to our late sister, the French Queen, lawfully begotten" 	Potential heirs by the will of Henry VIII 	1st cousin +1Daughter of Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk, daughter of Mary Tudor, Queen of France, daughter of Henry VII of England 	17 November 1558 	Cousin became queen 	26 January 1568 	Died 	Elizabeth I
Lady Mary Grey 	Potential heirs by the will of Henry VIII 	1st cousin +1 	26 January 1568 	Sister died 	20 April 1578 	Died 	Elizabeth I
Margaret, Countess of DerbyWill of Henry VIII of England - "And for default of such issue of the body of the said Lady Frances, we will that the said
imperial crown ... shall wholly remain and come to the heirs of the body of the Lady Eleanor, our niece, second daughter to our said late sister, the French Queen, lawfully begotten" 	Potential heirs by the will of Henry VIII 	1st cousin +1Daughter of Eleanor Clifford, Countess of Cumberland, daughter of Mary Tudor, Queen of France, daughter of Henry VII of England 	20 April 1578 	1st cousin died 	28 September 1596 	Died 	Elizabeth I
Lady Anne Stanley 	Potential heirs by the will of Henry VIII 	1st cousin +3Daughter of Ferdinando Stanley, 5th Earl of Derby, son of Margaret Stanley, Countess of Derby, daughter of Eleanor Clifford, Countess of Cumberland, daughter of Mary Tudor, Queen of France, daughter of Henry VII of England 	28 September 1596 	Paternal grandmother died 	24 March 1603 	succession of new king 	Elizabeth I
== 1603 to 1707: The Stuarts ==
Heir 	Status 	Relationship to monarch 	Became heir 	Reason 	Ceased to be heir	Reason 	Next in successionRelation to heir 	Monarch
Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Eldest son 	24 March 1603 	Father became king 	6 November 1612 	Died 	Charles, Duke of YorkYounger brother 	James I
Charles, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Son 	6 November 1612 	Brother died 	27 March 1625 	Became king 	Elizabeth, Electress PalatineElder sister 	James I
Elizabeth, Electress Palatine 	Heiress presumptive 	Elder sister 	27 March 1625 	Brother became king 	29 May 1630 	Son born to king 	Frederick Henry1625 – 1629Son 	Charles I
Elizabeth, Electress Palatine 	Heiress presumptive 	Elder sister 	27 March 1625 	Brother became king 	29 May 1630 	Son born to king 	Charles I Louis, Elector PalatineJan - May 1629Son 	Charles I
Charles, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Son 	29 May 1630 	Born 	30 January 1649 	Became king 	Elizabeth, Electress Palatine1630 – 1631Aunt 	Charles I
Charles, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Son 	29 May 1630 	Born 	30 January 1649 	Became king 	Mary, Princess Royal1631 – 1633Sister 	Charles I
Charles, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Son 	29 May 1630 	Born 	30 January 1649 	Became king 	James, Duke of York1633 – 1649Brother 	Charles I
James, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	30 January 1649 	Brother proclaimed King 	6 February 1685 	Became king 	Henry, Duke of Gloucester1649 – 1660Younger brother 	Charles II
James, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	30 January 1649 	Brother proclaimed King 	6 February 1685 	Became king 	Mary, Princess Royal and Princess of OrangeSep – Oct 1660Elder sister	Charles II
James, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	30 January 1649 	Brother proclaimed King 	6 February 1685 	Became king 	Charles, Duke of Cambridge1660 – 1661Son 	Charles II
James, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	30 January 1649 	Brother proclaimed King 	6 February 1685 	Became king 	Prince William of Orange1661 – 1662Nephew 	Charles II
James, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	30 January 1649 	Brother proclaimed King 	6 February 1685 	Became king 	Princess Mary1662 – 1663Daughter 	Charles II
James, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	30 January 1649 	Brother proclaimed King 	6 February 1685 	Became king 	James Stuart, Duke of Cambridge1663 – 1667Son 	Charles II
James, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	30 January 1649 	Brother proclaimed King 	6 February 1685 	Became king 	Princess MaryJun – Sep 1667Daughter 	Charles II
James, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	30 January 1649 	Brother proclaimed King 	6 February 1685 	Became king 	Edgar Stuart, Duke of Cambridge1667 – 1669Son 	Charles II
James, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	30 January 1649 	Brother proclaimed King 	6 February 1685 	Became king 	Princess Mary1669 – 1677Daughter 	Charles II
James, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	30 January 1649 	Brother proclaimed King 	6 February 1685 	Became king 	Charles, Duke of CambridgeNov – Dec 1677Son 	Charles II
James, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	30 January 1649 	Brother proclaimed King 	6 February 1685 	Became king 	Mary, Princess of Orange1677 – 1685Daughter 	Charles II
Mary, Princess of Orange 	Heiress presumptive 	Elder daughter 	6 February 1685 	Father became king 	10 June 1688 	Younger brother born 	Princess Anne of DenmarkYounger sister 	James II
James, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Son 	10 June 1688 	Born 	13 February 1689 	Father deposed 	Mary, Princess of OrangeElder sister 	James II
William III 	Mutual heirsBill of Rights 1689 - "the crown and regal government of the said kingdoms ... shall be and continue to their said Majesties and the survivor of them during their lives and the life of the survivor of them" 	Husband 	13 February 1689	Declaration of Right, 1689	28 December 1694 	Became sole monarch 	Princess Anne of DenmarkSister(-in-law) 	Mary II
Mary II 	Mutual heirsBill of Rights 1689 - "the crown and regal government of the said kingdoms ... shall be and continue to their said Majesties and the survivor of them during their lives and the life of the survivor of them" 	Wife 	13 February 1689	Declaration of Right, 1689	28 December 1694 	Died 	Princess Anne of DenmarkSister(-in-law) 	William III
Princess Anne of Denmark 	Heiress presumptiveBill of Rights 1689 - "after [the deceases of William and Mary] the said crown and premises shall be and remain to the heirs of the body of her Majesty [there were none], and for default of such issue to her Royal Highness the Princess Anne of Denmark" 	Sister-in-law and 1st cousin	28 December 1694	Sister's death 	8 March 1702 	Became queen 	William, Duke of Gloucester1694 – 1700Son 	William III
Princess Anne of Denmark 	Heiress presumptiveBill of Rights 1689 - "after [the deceases of William and Mary] the said crown and premises shall be and remain to the heirs of the body of her Majesty [there were none], and for default of such issue to her Royal Highness the Princess Anne of Denmark" 	Sister-in-law and 1st cousin	28 December 1694	Sister's death 	8 March 1702 	Became queen 	None1700 – 1701 	William III
Princess Anne of Denmark 	Heiress presumptiveBill of Rights 1689 - "after [the deceases of William and Mary] the said crown and premises shall be and remain to the heirs of the body of her Majesty [there were none], and for default of such issue to her Royal Highness the Princess Anne of Denmark" 	Sister-in-law and 1st cousin	28 December 1694	Sister's death 	8 March 1702 	Became queen 	Sophia, Dowager Electress of Hanover1701 – 17021st cousin −1 	William III
Sophia, Dowager Electress of Hanover	Heiress presumptiveAct of Settlement 1701 - "the most excellent Princess Sophia, Electress and Duchess Dowager of Hanover ... be and is hereby declared to be the next in succession ... after His Majesty, and the Princess Anne of Denmark, and in default of issue of the said Princess Anne, and of His Majesty respectively"	1st cousin −1 	8 March 1702 	Death of William III 	1 May 1707 	Became heiress-presumptive to Great Britain	George Louis, Elector of HanoverSon 	Anne
== Jacobite succession, 1689–1807 ==
The following are the heirs of the Jacobite pretenders to the throne to the death of the last Stuart pretender. For other persons in this lineage, see Jacobite succession.
Heir 	Status 	Relationship to Pretender	Became heir 	Reason 	Ceased to be heir	Reason 	Next in succession 	Pretender
James, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Son 	13 February 1689 	Father deposed 	16 September 1701	Became pretender 	Mary, Princess of Orange 1689–1694, elder sister 	James VII and II
James, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Son 	13 February 1689 	Father deposed 	16 September 1701	Became pretender 	Princess Anne of Denmark 1694–1701, elder sister 	James VII and II
Princess Anne of Denmark 	Heiress presumptive	Elder sister 	16 September 1701	Father died, brother became pretender	1 August 1714 	Died 	Louisa Maria, Princess Royal 1701–1712, younger sister 	James VIII and III"The Old Pretender"
Princess Anne of Denmark 	Heiress presumptive	Elder sister 	16 September 1701	Father died, brother became pretender	1 August 1714 	Died 	Anne Marie, Queen of Scilly1712–1714, 1st cousin 	James VIII and III"The Old Pretender"
Anne Marie, Queen of Sardinia 	Heiress presumptive	1st cousin 	1 August 1714 	Cousin died 	31 December 1720 	Son born to pretender 	Victor Amadeus, Prince of Piedmont 1714–1715, son 	James VIII and III"The Old Pretender"
Anne Marie, Queen of Sardinia 	Heiress presumptive	1st cousin 	1 August 1714 	Cousin died 	31 December 1720 	Son born to pretender 	Charles Emmanuel, Prince of Piedmont 1715–1720, son 	James VIII and III"The Old Pretender"
Charles, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Son 	31 December 1720 	Born 	1 January 1766 	Became pretender 	Anne Marie, Queen of Sardinia 1720–1725, 1st cousin −1 	James VIII and III"The Old Pretender"
Charles, Prince of Wales 	Heir apparent 	Son 	31 December 1720 	Born 	1 January 1766 	Became pretender 	Henry, Duke of York 1725–1766, younger brother 	James VIII and III"The Old Pretender"
Henry, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	1 January 1766 	Brother became pretender 	31 January 1788 	Became pretender 	Charles Emmanuel III of Sardinia 1766–1773, 2nd cousin 	Charles III"The Young Pretender"
Henry, Duke of York 	Heir presumptive 	Younger brother 	1 January 1766 	Brother became pretender 	31 January 1788 	Became pretender 	Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia 1773–1788, 2nd cousin +1	Charles III"The Young Pretender"
Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia 	Heir presumptive 	2nd cousin +1 	31 January 1788 	Cousin became pretender 	14 October 1796 	Died 	Charles Emmanuel, Prince of Piedmont, son 	Henry I and IX"Cardinal York"
Charles Emmanuel IV of Sardinia	Heir presumptive 	2nd cousin +2 	14 October 1796 	Father died 	13 July 1807 	Death of last Stuart pretender	Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia, younger brother 	Henry I and IX"Cardinal York"
== See also ==
* List of heirs to the Scottish throne
* List of heirs to the British throne
* Line of succession to the British throne
* History of the English line of succession
== Sources ==
* Ian Mortimer, The Fears of Henry IV: the Life of England's Self-Made King (Vintage, 2008)
== References ==
 
Category:Succession to the British crown
English
Category:British monarchy-related lists