Who Would Succeed (King) Charles If Prince William Died Before Becoming King?

Just like the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and Prince William will likely reign for decades when their time to sit on the throne arrives. But that’s not stopping royal family fans from speculating on the unthinkable — what happens if William died before he is crowned king? Will it be Prince George or Prince Harry who will then take the reins of power after Charles?

This question probably arose because some people erroneously likened the workings of the monarchy to that of a family-run business where the second eldest sibling takes over in running the firm when the eldest son dies.

But that’s not the case with the British monarchy. It follows a very strict protocol when it comes to who should sit on the British throne.

“Should both Prince Charles and Prince William die tomorrow, the new Heir Apparent would be Prince William’s son, Prince George of Cambridge,” monarchist Dave Rowlands answered the question on Quora. “The UK succession follows the principle of Primogeniture: the First Born inherits, and if they die before they are able to inherit, they pass on their right of inheritance to their own first born.”

Rowlands added that while Prince George might inherit Prince William’s titles, he will not automatically become Prince of Wales, which is his grandfather’s, Prince Charles’, title. The reason for this is because the title is not inheritable but can only be granted by the current monarch.

Of course the scenario stated above only applies if Queen Elizabeth II is still alive. But in case the Queen died and Prince George is not yet eighteen years of age, a regency is required, which is likely Prince Harry. “Under the Regency Act 1937, the next person in the line of succession who is over the age of 18 would become Regent — this would be Prince Harry,” Rowlands added.

For fans who are wondering that Prince Harry’s chances are in ascending the throne, he is currently ranked sixth after his father, Prince Charles; his older brother, Prince William; and his nephews and niece, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.