Heir apparent facts for kids
An heir (pronounced "air") is a person who is set to receive something important, like money, property, or a special title, after someone else passes away. Most often, it's a child who inherits from their parent.
When we talk about kings, queens, or noble families, the terms heir apparent and heir presumptive are used to describe who will take over a royal or noble title.
An heir apparent is someone who is absolutely certain to inherit a title or position when the current holder dies. Nothing can change this, unless they pass away first. For example, a king's oldest child is usually the heir apparent.
A Crown Prince or Crown Princess is the heir apparent to the throne in a monarchy (a country ruled by a king or queen).
An heir presumptive is someone who is expected to inherit, but their position isn't totally certain. Someone else with a stronger claim might come along later and take their place. This usually happens if the rules of succession (who inherits next) allow for it.
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Understanding Heirs with Examples
Let's look at some real-life examples to make these terms clearer.
Heir Apparent: Prince Charles
When Queen Elizabeth II was alive, her oldest son was Prince Charles. He was her heir apparent. This meant he was guaranteed to become king after her, because he was her firstborn and the rules of succession made him the clear choice. When Queen Elizabeth II passed away, Prince Charles became King Charles III.
Heir Presumptive: Princess Elizabeth
Before she became Queen Elizabeth II, she was known as Princess Elizabeth. She was the heiress presumptive to her father, King George VI. She was his oldest daughter, and at that time, sons would inherit before daughters. This meant that if King George VI had later had a son, that son would have become the heir apparent instead of Elizabeth. Since he didn't have any sons, Princess Elizabeth remained the heiress presumptive and eventually became queen.
Changing Rules: Princess Victoria of Sweden
Prince Bertil of Sweden was once the heir presumptive to his nephew, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. When the King's son, Prince Carl Philip, was born, he became the heir apparent. However, the law of succession in Sweden changed. It was updated to say that the oldest child, whether a boy or a girl, would inherit the throne. Because of this new law, Princess Victoria, who is King Carl XVI Gustaf's oldest child, became the world's first heiress apparent under this new rule.
Countries That Have Used the Title
Many countries with monarchies have used the titles of heir apparent or heir presumptive. Some of these include:
