Hereditary Titles (Female Succession) Bill

A Bill to make provision for the succession of female heirs to hereditary titles; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

25 March 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would allow female heirs to inherit hereditary titles, changing the current rules that favour male succession. It aims to apply to both existing titles and any new titles created in the future, so women can succeed in the same way as men where appropriate.

Key Points

Provides a framework for female succession to hereditary titles.
Applies to existing titles and future creations.
Originating in the Commons and currently at the second reading stage in the Commons (first reading completed in 2019).
Represents a move towards gender equality in the inheritance of hereditary peerages.

Progress

The bill has had its first reading in the Commons (on 5 March 2019) and is now at the second reading stage in the Commons. No further stages are recorded yet.

Who is affected?

Women who could inherit hereditary titles (female heirs)Families and individuals who currently hold or may hold hereditary titlesInstitutions connected with the peerage and title succession (e.g., the peerage system, genealogists and lawyers)

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

5 Mar 2019

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Hereditary Titles (Female Succession)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 349 2017-19 (as introduced)

BillCommons

13 Mar 2019

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.