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

Last Updated

25 March 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would allow female heirs to inherit hereditary titles, instead of titles always passing to male heirs. It sets out how the succession would work under the new rules and what this means for existing titles and future creations. In short, it aims to make the inheritance of hereditary titles more equal between men and women.

Key Points

Allows female heirs to inherit hereditary titles, moving away from the traditional male‑preference rule.
Outlines how the line of succession would be determined under the new system for both existing and future titles.
May require changes to Letters Patent and other title documents to reflect the new rules.
Could affect current title holders, their families, and those who might inherit titles in the future.
Currently at the Second Reading in the House of Commons, with further stages to come if it progresses.

Progress

The bill is currently at its Second Reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to Committee stage, then Report and Third Reading in the Commons, before going to the Lords for consideration.

Who is affected?

Women who could inherit hereditary titlesCurrent title holders and their familiesFamilies connected to hereditary titlesMembers of the peerage and those with an interest in aristocratic successionThe wider public with an interest in constitutional arrangements and the peerage

Generated 21 February 2026

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.