Why Can't Descendants of the Plantagenet Royal Family Claim the English Throne?

For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of British royal history, the current royal family of England, the House of Windsor, is indeed a direct descendant of the Plantagenet royal family. However, why, then, are living descendants of the Plantagenets not on the throne?

Historical Context

The Plantagenet dynasty ruled England from the 12th to the late 15th centuries, a reign that saw several significant battles and changes in royal power dynamics. The Plantagenet line came to an end with the defeat of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. This marked the beginning of the Tudor dynasty, which would rule England until the 17th century.

Succession Changes

The transition from the Plantagenet to the Tudor dynasty not only changed the ruling family but also the rules of succession. The Tudors established new lines of succession, often favoring their own lineage over potential claims from the Plantagenets. This was further solidified during the Stuart and Hanoverian reigns and carried forth to the current House of Windsor.

Legitimacy and Parliamentary Acts

The legitimacy of current royal claims is supported by specific acts of Parliament, such as the Act of Settlement 1701 and the Royal Marriages Act 1772. These acts established rules favoring Protestant descendants and excluding those who married Catholics. Such legal frameworks further solidified the current succession rules, making it highly unlikely for Plantagenet descendants to claim the throne.

Lack of Direct Claim

While individuals today can trace their ancestry back to the Plantagenets, they do not have a recognized claim to the throne because the line of succession has passed through other royal families. King Charles III, Prince William, and Prince George are all direct descendants of the House of Hanover, which was later renamed Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. This lineage has been upheld by subsequent royal generations.

Modern Succession Laws

Modern succession laws, including those established by the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, continue to favor the direct descendants of the current royal family. This further distances any Plantagenet descendants from the throne. The Act of Settlement and the Succession to the Crown Act ensure that the throne is passed through a defined and specific lineage, which only includes direct descendants of the current family.

Conclusion

In summary, while there are living descendants of the Plantagenet royal family, they are not in the line of succession due to the historical changes in the monarchy, the establishment of new royal houses, and the legal frameworks governing royal succession. The current royal family continues to uphold these traditions, ensuring a seamless and legally recognized line of succession. Despite the rich history and lineage that links the modern royal family to the Plantagenets, the modern rules of succession firmly place them as distant from the throne.