Royal Marriages in the United Kingdom: Who Needs Permission and Why?

The requirement for British royal family members to seek permission from the monarch before getting married is a unique and ancient tradition. This practice, deeply rooted in historical context, ensures the continuity and protection of the Royal Family's lineage. The current rules surrounding royal marriages and the permission system are a fascinating blend of tradition and legal requirement. Let's delve into the details of this interesting aspect of British royalty.

Historical Context and the Royal Marriages Act

The tradition of royal families receiving permission for marriage dates back to the late 18th century, specifically 1772. The Royal Marriages Act of 1772 was initially introduced to prevent any member of the royal family from marrying without the monarch's consent. This law was rooted in the King George III's discontent regarding his brother Prince Henry's marriage to a commoner. The act required that permission be sought from the monarch by all descendants of King George II (except those from princesses who had married foreign royal families).

The Current Royal Marriages Act (1972)

The current Royal Marriages Act 1972 stipulates that only the first six in line to the throne need to ask for the monarch's permission before getting married. Those who do not receive permission from the monarch are considered as if they never got married, and their marriage is not recognized under British law. This means any children born from such unapproved marriages are also dropped from the line of succession.

Historically, the act has been flexible, and numerous royal family members have married without obtaining the required permission. Notable examples include George IV's marriage to Maria Fitzherbert and the marriage of Prince George, the future King George IV, to Sophie of Hanover. In these instances, the marriages were void in the UK but recognized in other countries.

The Role of the Sovereign in Modern Times

The last application for permission under the old Royal Marriages Act was in 2015, when Juliet Victoria Katharine Nicolson received permission to marry Simon Alexander Rood. For more recent times, notable royal marriages that required permission include the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.

The Future and Generational Changes

With the introduction of new provisions in the Royal Marriages Act, the requirement to seek royal permission is set to continue. Future marriages of key royal figures such as Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are expected to adhere to these rules. For younger members like Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the need for permission will depend on their position in the line of succession at the time of their marriage.

Conclusion

The tradition of royal families seeking permission for marriage remains a unique law, rooted in historical context but with modern-day relevance. This practice ensures the continuity of the royal lineage and keeps the laws and customs of the monarchy intact. As the royal family continues to grow and change, the requirement for permission under the Royal Marriages Act remains a fascinating aspect of British cultural heritage.

Key Terms

royal marriage royal succession royal permission British law royal family

References:

Royal Marriages Act of 1772 Prompted by King George III's reaction to his brother’s marriage Descendants of George II were required to ask for permission Royal Marriages Act 1972 Asked for the monarch's permission Continuity of the royal lineage Laws and customs of the monarchy