Planned changes to the law of succession that end the tradition of a boy taking precedence over an elder sister are already de facto in effect, the British Cabinet Office said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Planned changes to the law of succession that end the tradition of a boy taking precedence over an elder sister are already de facto in effect, the British Cabinet Office has said.

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New legislation is due to go through Parliament that will end the system of male primogeniture that gave men precedence over women in line to the throne.

BBC: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

According to recent media reports, the Prince of Wales - while backing the end to male primogeniture (the principle that males take precedence in the royal succession) - has expressed concerns to officials about "unintended consequences" which could affect the monarch's role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

BBC: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The new legislation will end the system of male primogeniture, meaning male heirs will no longer take precedence over women in line to the throne.

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